Michigan quarterback Jake Rudock has come a long way since throwing three interceptions, missing numerous would-be touchdowns and essentially costing the Wolverines a Week 1 game at Utah.
His latest proof of progress was a thrilling comeback win in double overtime at Indiana—a game he finished with 440 passing yards and six touchdowns (the most in Michigan history) on 33 of 46 completions.
Four of those touchdowns went to receiver Jehu Chesson, including three in the first half. The early highlight came on an NFL throw across the middle, where Rudocklasered the ball into traffic, and Chesson rumbled 64 yards for the score:
On the game-tying touchdown drive, Rudock stood in the pocket on a crucial third down, took a huge hit and delivered a throw that wasn't beautiful but floated effectively into Chesson's arms and got Michigan near the goal line.
That set up a clutch fourth-down touchdown to Chesson—who else?—to force overtime as time expired:
Then, in overtime, Rudock threw two scores on three plays, leading the Wolverines to victory.
He first found Jake Butt over the middle in the first overtime. Then he hit Amara Darboh on a brilliant stop-and-go for what proved to be the game-winning TD:
Michigan stopped Indiana (finally!) on the next possession, clinching the win and propelling Rudock and Chesson front and center.
But really it was Rudock, the Iowa transfer billed as the team's biggest weakness, who earned and deserved the most praise.
"He is unflappable," head coach Jim Harbaugh said of Rudock, per Zach Shaw of The Michigan Daily. "He does not flinch."
Bleacher Report's Lead NFL Writer, Mike Freeman, agreed:
Saturday's performance came on the heels of Rudock completing 18 of 25 passes for 337 yards and two touchdowns (plus one rushing touchdown) against Rutgers. In that game, he posted a 211.63 quarterback rating that exceeded his previous career high.
He's now played two consecutive brilliant games, which means he's peaking at the perfect time. The Wolverines head to Penn State—a team with a stingy defense and a difficult home environment—before hosting Ohio State on Thanksgiving weekend.
Assuming the Buckeyes beat Michigan State next Saturday, the Wolverines control their own Big Ten fate. Their only conference loss came to the Spartans, who lost at Nebraska and are likely to lose again in Columbus unless their defense, one of the Big Ten's most mangled units, finds a vial of Full Restore.
For sure, Rudock still has his bad moments. He threw an ill-advised red-zone interception against Indiana and nearly threw a second on a pass up the seam on a crucial fourth-quarter scoring drive. He still throws some balls that make hearts in Ann Arbor sink.
But lately those mistakes have been limited, and Rudock has earned more autonomy. He's trusted to leave the pocket and create for himself, and although his running style is awkward and rugged—reminiscent of another Harbaugh protege—he's made some big plays with his wheels.
A quarterback who stretches the field and creates outside the pocket, especially on third and fourth down, is required for upsetting Ohio State. The Buckeyes have underachieved but are still the reigning College Football Playoff champions and have won 23 consecutive games.
Rudock gives the Wolverines a chance to beat Urban Meyer, win the Big Ten East and advance to the Big Ten Championship Game, where they would likely meet, of all teams, the undefeated Iowa Hawkeyes. Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard stole Rudock's job this offseason and prompted his transfer to Michigan in the first place.
No one would have believed that this summer, and they especially wouldn't have believed it after the Utah game. But alas, here we are.
Rudock is playing well enough to beat OSU.
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