Michigan Football: De’Veon Smith, Wolverines Wear Down Oregon State
The Michigan football team must be advocates of the phrase ‘it’s not about how you start, but how you finish.’
Because once Oregon State drove down the field in its opening possession to take a 7-0 lead, the majority of the 109,651 fans had the wind knocked right out of their sails.
However, the offense would notch 35 unanswered en route to a 35-7 win, giving head coach Jim Harbaugh his inaugural victory of his fresh tenure in Ann Arbor.
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Following an opening week contest where the offensive running game was periodically stifled by the Utah Utes, holes gradually opened and the Wolverines would use its physicality in compiling 225 yards on the ground. Running back De’veon Smith collected 126 yards and three scores, the first Michigan tailback to tally three rushing touchdowns since Fitzgerald Touissant in 2012.
While it wasn’t necessarily a field day for quarterback Jake Rudock, he ultimately improved off of a three-interception outing last week at Utah. He culminated the contest by completing 18 of 26 for 170 yards. Nothing too gaudy on the score sheet, but the comfort level set it as the quarters went by.
The question of offensive playmakers was perhaps answered on Saturday, as there was no shortage: Rudock found nine different receivers, Amara Darboh topping all with four catches for 50 yards. He’s provided a nice security outlet for Rudock to assist with the ‘gelling,’ and Darboh’s proved his ability to stretch the short passing game into respectable gains thus far.
The defensive unit regrouped after the following score, holding Oregon States offense to 130 total yards. Following the Beavers’ initial strike, the secondary surrendered just 44 passing yards.
Sep 12, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Oregon State Beavers quarterback Seth Collins (4) against Michigan Wolverines defensive end Chris Wormley (43) in the first quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Looking for a highly-decorated athlete to halt the rush? Wolverines defensive lineman Chris Wormley was once again in the mix, periodically bringing down ball carriers for losses. It was a masterful second half and a core that rose to the occasion after going down early in the first.
Cornerback Jourdan Lewis exited the ballgame in the second quarter after breaking up a pass along the sideline. With his day cut relatively short, the status of his setback remains unknown.
The Michigan football team will saddle back up and search for their second win of the season next Saturday when the UNLV Rebels travel to Ann Arbor.