ANN ARBOR — It took a quarter to get warmed up, and it wasn’t always an aesthetically pleasing game, but Michigan triumphed over SMU 45-20 Saturday, the Wolverines’ second consecutive 40-point outburst. This week’s game against Nebraska was supposed to be a measuring stick game for Michigan. Instead, it’s another opportunity for the offense to bolster its case as a reliable weapon.
■ Michigan’s passing offense is ascending. Shea Patterson is completing 71 percent of his passes for 589 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. It’s a level of efficiency through the air that the Wolverines haven’t seen for several years. He had 10 incomplete passes at Notre Dame — Patterson has nine incomplete passes in the last two games combined. An ability to spread the ball around to several different receivers is another area where Patterson has thrived.
■ Donovan Peoples-Jones is making the leap. The five-star found his freshman season to be a learning experience. Michigan’s quarterback situation didn’t help, but Peoples-Jones struggled getting separation and failed to make himself a legitimate downfield threat. That’s all changed in 2018. Through three games, he already has 14 receptions for 159 yards and four touchdowns. With Tarik Black absent from the lineup, Patterson is in need of a dynamic target. Nico Collins has flashed potential, as has the tight end duo of Zach Gentry and Sean McKeon. Peoples-Jones can also be added to the list of go-to pass catchers.
■ Chase Winovich is one of the Big Ten’s best defenders. If there were lingering questions about a possible dip in Winovich’s production, he’s answered resoundingly. The defensive end has 5.5 tackles for loss already and is near the top of the Big Ten in total tackles. Winovich benefits from natural talent, but also the attention spent on Rashan Gary.
Contact Kyle Rowland at krowland@theblade.com, 419-724-6110 or on Twitter @KyleRowland.
First Published September 17, 2018, 12:47 a.m.
