Michigan v. UConn grade B+

I apologize for the lack of substance in this post but due to the holiday weekend I didn't have a chance to put a lot into this one

The offense especially, Denard "Shoelace" Robinson looked great. The defense did what it needed to the do and the special teams were OK.

Offense - A-

The offense was good but even with Denard's performance I wouldn't call it great. They still had a lot of 3rd down conversions they had to convert and luckily they did. If this becomes a trend I don't think that is a feat they can continue to repeat on a regular basis. Also Denard won't rush for almost 200 yards and only throw 3 incomplete passes each week. I think the wind kept them from being able to throw down field. Also I don't want to see Denard rush the ball 29 times again especially come Big Ten season. That being said I can't cry too much they still put up 30 points against an apparent decent team.

Defense - B -

We all know there are tons of question marks in the secondary. However the front seven seem solid and played pretty well for the most part. The fumble caused in the red zone was awesome and good to see the defense not giving up. The tackling looked a lot better and the assignments seemed better also. UConn had a couple missed opportunities that could have changed some things but the defense still played good enough to give Michigan the win regardless. All I ask is that they play good enough each week to allow Michigan a chance to win.

Special teams - B-

The missed field goal I don't count because of the wind factor. Plus it was his first attempt ever and it was 40yards + so I will let it slide. The punting was pretty good as well as the punt coverage. The punt returning was OK except for the fumble that was luckily recovered. Those mistakes I'm sure will be highlighted in film this week to ensure it doesn't happen again, however it has happened a couple times the past few seasons. The short kickoffs I wasn't a fan of but once again I think the wind had a hand in that.

Overall I am happy with the performance. Like most if not all Michigan fans I was worried how it was going to pan out before the start of the game Saturday. I think we can all be pleased with the result. I feel pretty good heading into Brian Kelly's South Bend Saturday.

Real Quick on Tate

We need Tate. Gardner is not really to handle a Big Ten season and I really don't want another freshman starting at QB yet again. Tate will be needed at some point this season and I hope and believe he will get it together and get the 2nd position on the depth chart. I can't blame him for being upset but the way he showed it was immature. But I think Rich Rod knows how to handle Tate and it will resolve itself.