UMass Post Game = 50 Cent

John T. Greilick / The Detroit News

Saturday's game turned out pretty much the way everyone expected in a Michigan blow out.    It was nice to have a stress free Michigan Football weekend.  The Wolverines won by 50 in a game that was never close.  

Denard played well minus a pick 6 and surprisingly was in the game until the end of the third quarter.    He ran for over 100 yards and nearly passed for 300 yards.  The defense didn't allow a touchdown and only gave up two field goals.

So what are some positives that Michigan can use for next weeks very high profile game in South Bend?

• Funchess is someone that ND will have to game plan for.  The kid is a walking miss-match.
• Fitz got 85 yards on 15 carries and showed flashes of last year.    I actually liked Norfleet and Hayes at RB, maybe having more speed at that spot will help move the ball a bit?
• There is still more work that has to be done on both lines.   I didn't think the O line run blocked very well and the D line didn't make too many tackles.
• Jake Ryan continues to impress on defense.
• UMass runs Brian Kelly's offense, so this was a good prep for  next week.
• It was good to get some young players and walk-on's some time in a real game.
• Roy Rountree got a TD catch!

Michigan will need to be balanced on offense against ND.  We saw last night that ND was able to stop State's running game.  Which means Denard will need to throw and throw accurately against ND's young DB's. 

With the state of the Big Ten, Michigan has a chance to be in Indy and win a title.   It would be nice to see Michigan get a nice win on the road at ND as the last test before Big Ten season starts.