Michigan gets new coach rich Rodriguez first win

It wasn’t pretty or, for that matter, particularly impressive, but Rich Rodriguez is no doubt relieved that he’s no longer winless in his nascent tenure as head coach at the University of Michigan.  In a performance similar to last week’s loss against Utah, Michigan started strong and then struggled the rest of the way—though Miami-OH wasn’t able to make them pay for it as did a solid Ute team.  Nevertheless, the final result was a victory as the Wolverines put away Miami-OH 16-6.

The final score notwithstanding, there wasn’t much for Michigan to be happy about.  After a strong first quarter in which the Wolverines shot out to a 10-0 lead, Michigan sputtered on offense for most of the game.  The rushing game was serviceable, with 178 net yards, but the passing game was once again abysmal.  Steven Threet started, but shared time in rotation with Nick Sheridan.  Neither QB was particularly effective, combining for a mere 103 yards.  If there was a positive in the offensive performance it was the lack of turnovers.  Then again, that’s of little relevance if the offense isn’t being productive in the process.

The Michigan defense did a decent job shutting down Miami-OH’s rushing game, as the Red Hawks could only muster 47 yards on the ground.  On the other hand, Miami-OH used a solid possession passing game to rack up 205 yards in the air and for the game enjoyed an edge in first downs (16 to 15) and a decisive edge in time of possession (35:13 to 24:47). Miami-OH was in the game until well into the final quarter, when a 15 yard run by Brandon Minor gave the Wolverines a 10 point cushion—though in yet another sign of the team’s frustrations they missed the PAT. 

Perhaps the biggest disappointment for the Wolverines is the fact that the game was not a sellout—the 106,724 fans in attendance was the smallest turnout for a Michigan home game in a decade.  Part of the job description of a new head coaching hire is to “restore excitement to the program” and based on the fan support—or lack thereof—Rodriguez is not faring particularly well in that aspect of his duties.

Still, Rodriguez has to be happy that he didn’t have to head into Notre Dame with a 0-2 collar nor was he coaching the first Michigan team to lose to a MAC team in 24 tries.  While it may be premature to pass judgment on his Wolverine regime three games into the season, should Michigan not perform well at South Bend next week Rodriguez could quickly find himself on the hot seat.  Today’s non-sellout suggests that the Wolverine supporters aren’t going to be particularly patient with him, and that apathy could turn ugly with a few more shortcomings.  It may be unfair, but it is the nature big time college football:  next week at Notre Dame could be a “make or break” game for Rich Rodriguez at Michigan.