The same formula that Michigan football has used all season continued to work this past Saturday at home vs. Nebraska. That formula is to run the football at an elite level and play elite level defense.  Michigan did just that in a 34-3 victory over Nebraska. Moreover, that brings Michigan’s season record to 10-0. This is Michigan’s first 10-0 start since 2006. The Wolverines mostly have its running game and defense to thank for that.

 The Michigan Running Game

In Michigan’s matchup against Nebraska this Saturday, Michigan rushed for a very impressive 264 yards on 49 attempts. That is good for 5.4 yards per carry. Furthermore, Michigan also rushed for 2 touchdowns. However, this type of output is nothing new for the 2022 Michigan Wolverines. 10 games into the season, the Wolverine rushing attack is ranked 4th in the nation and 1st in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game at 251.4. Furthermore, Michigan’s running game has keyed an offense that ranks 5th in the nation and 2nd in the Big Ten in points per game at 41.4. Michigan’s running game has been absolutely lethal this season.

Blake Corum

It is impossible to mention Michigan’s rushing attack without mentioning the incredible season running back Blake Corum is having. Furthermore, Corum continues to put together an impressive Heisman Trophy case every single week. Against Nebraska, Blake Corum rushed for 162 yards on 28 carries and a touchdown.

Furthermore, that brings his season totals to 227 carries for 1,349 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground through 10 games. Moreover, Blake Corum has rushed for at least 100 yards and a touchdown in every single Big Ten Conference game this season. Furthermore, Blake Corum’s 1,349 rushing yards rank 3rd in the nation and his 17 rushing touchdowns are tied for 2nd in the country. Furthermore, he is putting up those numbers on a 10-0 team with National Championship aspirations. Blake Corum has absolutely been the best running back in the country this season.

The Michigan Defense

Michigan’s defense has somehow managed to be even more impressive than the running game. The Wolverine defense gave up three points in their win over Nebraska this past Saturday. Michigan’s defense also held Nebraska to a paltry 146 total yards. Furthermore, Michigan’s team defensive statistics for the season have been staggering. Michigan is ranked 1st in the nation in points allowed per game (11.2), 1st in yards allowed per game (232.8), and 1st in rushing yards allowed per game (72.7). It’s safe to say that Michigan has a dominant defense.

Final Thoughts

If Michigan continues to run the football and play defense like they have all season, they can absolutely win the National Championship. There is not a team in college football that can beat the Michigan Wolverines when they are playing at this level. The question is, can they sustain this level of play? We will continue to find out as the season winds down.

Photo Credit: Paul Sancya