I think the fact that Michigan has had success two years in a row now show they have arrived and will be formidable every year going forward. The question was how they were going to to this year and if they were going to be able to sustain it or build on last years success. They have proven that.
Harbaugh had some rocky years and there was a question of him years back, but he seems to have that train going.
I don't disagree. But that Michigan was maybe the hardest loss for me to watch. Illinois hurt because...heartbreaker field goal. ISU hurt, for so many reasons.
But that Michigan game was arguably one of Petras' best games of the season. If not the best? At least, statistically.
21/31 for 246 with one TD and no interceptions with some healthy averages to various receivers.
The rushing game didn't help out. It was all on Petras. And sure, 85% of that was all in the last 17 minutes of the game.
The defense did a pretty good job against that beast Corum who had to run the ball 30 times to get his 100+ yards. He torched a lot of other teams far worse.
Michigan needed 3.75 quarters to put that game away. Hawks finished the 3rd quarter with a solid drive and scored on the first play of the 4th. Then forced a punt....drove the ball 80 yards and turned it over on downs, inside the Michigan 10. They would have pulled to within one score with like 6 minutes left. Then, of course, the wheels fell off. I know, coulda/woulda/shoulda.
That was probably Petras' best 17 minutes of football all season. The defense did what they needed to do. A single turnover could have radically changed that game.
I just don't think Michigan is all that special. Still.
But, you're right. They could be on the verge. I don't totally follow other teams. Sure, I see scores flash across, but it kinda goes in one, out the other. Michigan did easily handle their business this year with everyone.....except Illinois and mostly Iowa. I only tend to see what's in front of my face. And that is, that Iowa's so weak, a national title worthy team should have routed them, which Michigan did not do.