Michigan Football

College football 2019 is finally upon us. The season opener at the “Big House” in Ann Arbor is the first ever meeting between the Michigan Wolverines and the blue raiders from Middle Tennessee State. By the way this game would turn out to be the largest crowd MTSU played in front of 110,00 plus. The weather was perfect for football with a fall setting and temps in the 60’s at game time. The season opener was played under the lights, A couple of familiar face’s were in attendance, first year head basketball coach and former fab 5 member Juan Howard along with former Michigan hockey standout Dylan Larkin. The wolverines went on to beat MTSU 40 -21. Don’t know MTSU, I’ll refresh your memory for a minute. Our neighbors in East Lansing do, MTSU pulled off the biggest upset to date in March Madness over the Spartans in 2016.

The game also featured another first, Josh Gattis who spent time with Alabama in recent years came to Michigan to update the offense if you will with a more modern speed in space, no huddle, up tempo approach. The new OC will definitely add a fire to a offense that has been subpar in recent years. With all the deep talent the offense will have no problem adapting to soon rather than later, I say mid season will be when the offense get’s clicking on all cylinders. At times the offense was very sloppy even with Shea Patterson throwing for three touchdowns in the win, also losing a fumble on Michigan first series of the game. Shea noted at the post game presser he need’s to take care better care of the football and wasn’t to pleased with his play tonight. First year running back making his season debut Zach Charbonnet rushed for 90 yards on eight carries, a area of concern going into the game. Playing most of the second half Dylan McCaffery completed just two passes for 17 yards, scoring a TD on 42 yards rushing. The strength of his running game makes for a duo threat QB.

The blue raiders hung though for three quarters and showed no signs of backing down. Experts had them losing by four touchdown, something that clearly didn’t happen. Tonight’s game was the first season opener under the lights, something that took over a 100 years to happen that started back in 2011. With tonight’s win Michigan is 4-0 under the lights. Both teams look to tighten things up in week two has Michigan invites the black nights from Army to Ann Arbor for a noon kick on FOX, while MTSU hosts Tennessee State.