We knew it would take a little time for Michigan to find its identity under Jim Harbaugh. That's just common sense, and it was reinforced by a sluggish effort in a 24-17 season-opening loss to Utah.
But who had it happening in less than a month? That appears to be exactly what's occurring, and the rest of the Big Ten should be frightened.
The Wolverines entered Saturday's home date with BYU on a two-game win streak, although few would argue that Oregon State or UNLV are world-beaters. But a merciless 31-0 whipping of the Cougars that improved Michigan to 3-1 raised some eyebrows.
Harbaugh's team put together an excellent all-around performance, which shows the Wolverines are finding themselves. Which raises an interesting question: Could this Michigan team exceed the modest expectations most had placed on it before the season began?
Harbaugh's best teams have thrived with a balanced offense predicated around a strong running game, and Saturday the Wolverines displayed that to perfection. Senior quarterback Jake Rudock brought a reputation as a strong game manager with him from Iowa as a graduate transfer, but he had been erratic at best in Michigan's first three games, throwing as many interceptions (five) as he had all of last season.
Against BYU, he looked more like his old self, moving the ball through the air and on the ground efficiently, completing 14 of 25 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown. He even contributed a pair of rushing touchdowns.
The Wolverines are hoping a strong tailback will emerge from a backfield by committee, and De'Veon Smith showed signs of becoming that guy Saturday. He posted his second 100-yard rushing game of the season, which included a highlight carry in which he disappeared into a pile at the line of scrimmage before emerging on a stunning 60-yard touchdown run. He rolled up 125 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries before leaving with an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, senior receiver Amara Darboh is emerging as the No. 1 option for Rudock. Darboh had four catches for 57 yards and a touchdown, including this impressive one-handed grab:
Michigan's defense did its part, too. BYU freshman quarterback Tanner Mangum had led the Cougars to wins at Nebraska and over Boise State and pushed No. 9 UCLA to the brink last week in a 24-23 game. But he was utterly punchless against the Wolverines front, completing 12 of 28 passes for 55 yards.
It was the first time BYU had been shut out since 2003, and it was Michigan's first shutout since 2012.
The Wolverines outgained BYU 448-105 and held the ball for more than 38 minutes. Michigan has outscored its last three foes by a total of 94-14.
Following the Utah game, one had to wonder if Harbaugh's team could scrape together enough wins for a postseason berth. After all, this was a 5-7 squad in 2014, and the product hardly looked inspiring.
Now, with Maryland, Rutgers and Indiana left on the schedule (not to mention a less than impressive Penn State), six wins seem assured. Can Harbaugh's first Michigan team contend for the Big Ten title? It's unlikely.
But the Wolverines certainly can play spoiler. Of the three current Associated Press Top 25 teams left on their schedule (Northwestern, Michigan State and Ohio State), all come to Ann Arbor. With a trip to Maryland and Northwestern at home on the docket, Michigan could be 5-1 and also a Top 25 program by the time the Spartans visit Oct. 17.
The Wolverines have just one win in their last seven tries against Michigan State, and one win in their last 11 meetings with the Buckeyes. But if the defense continues to progress, Michigan could give one or both teams a scare.
Whether or not it does, it looks like Harbaugh could return the Wolverines to Big Ten relevancy sooner rather than later. Their new-found identity is a step in the right direction.
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