Michigan Strikes Up in Latest Coaches Poll After Blowing Out UTEP

Michigan did what a ranked crew is meant to do in opposition to an overmatched opponent Saturday. It ultimately made the sport look completely unfair.

The Wolverines climbed one spot to No. 18 within the newest US LBM Coaches Poll after pulling away for a 52-17 victory over UTEP at Michigan Stadium. Michigan improved to 3-0 and acquired 545 factors within the new Coaches Poll.

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“Pulled away” is doing a little work there. Michigan trailed 14-7 through the second quarter after Bryce Underwood and Savion Hiter misplaced fumbles. The Wolverines led solely 17-14 at halftime earlier than lastly remembering they have been favored by a number of touchdowns.

Then got here the correction.

Michigan scored 28 factors within the third quarter, completed the sport on a 45-3 run and restricted UTEP to a few second-half factors. It was not a clear efficiency from begin to end, however the ultimate half-hour appeared rather more just like the crew Michigan expects to turn out to be.

Michigan’s Offense Finally Opens Up

Underwood produced his greatest passing efficiency of the season, finishing 19 of 25 makes an attempt for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Andrew Marsh caught 10 passes for 105 yards and a rating, whereas JJ Buchanan added seven receptions for 92 yards and one other landing.

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The Wolverines additionally acquired an encouraging debut from backup quarterback Tommy Carr. Carr accomplished each of his passes, rushed for 18 yards and threw a landing throughout his first faculty sequence. Kyle Whittingham later made an eye-opening statement about Carr’s potential, though Underwood’s efficiency in opposition to UTEP gave Michigan no cause to fabricate a quarterback controversy.

Michigan’s official postgame notes credited the Wolverines with 449 whole yards, seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Jonah Lea’ea provided the defensive spotlight by returning an interception for a landing.

The motion to No. 18 displays progress, however not a whole reassessment. Michigan moved up just one place after its largest victory of the season. Coaches apparently appreciated the ultimate rating whereas noticing how lengthy it took the Wolverines to grab management. Fair sufficient.

Michigan Still Has Plenty to Prove

Michigan started the season at No. 16, fell after its slim victory over Western Michigan and has now began working its approach again. The controversial ending to that opener remained a part of the nationwide dialog after the NCAA acknowledged a replay error.

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The Wolverines adopted that sport by defeating Oklahoma 17-10 after which overwhelming UTEP. Their protection has typically appeared able to carrying a contender. Underwood’s improvement stays the variable that might decide whether or not Michigan merely hangs across the Top 25 or climbs into the College Football Playoff dialogue.

Urban Meyer just lately highlighted Underwood’s rare physical ability, however Michigan will want greater than occasional flashes as soon as convention play begins.

The subsequent take a look at comes Saturday in opposition to No. 17 Iowa. Michigan is ranked one spot behind the Hawkeyes, which supplies the Wolverines a right away alternative to make this week’s one-position climb look momentary.

Latest US LBM Coaches Poll Top 25

Dropped out: No. 23 Houston and No. 25 Virginia.