Looking back at what happened in Michigan's 21-7 win at Michigan State, and a look ahead toward a bye week.
What we learned vs. MSU
Big Ten's No. 1
U-M will enter its bye week as the only team in the Big Ten without a conference loss, which means the Wolverines are in sole possession of first place in the Big Ten East with four games to go. Ohio State's collapse at Purdue gives the Wolverines a game in hand with games vs. Penn State, at Rutgers and vs. Indiana ahead before Michigan closes the regular season at Ohio State on Nov. 24. There's still work to do, of course, but U-M is in a great spot.
OL push
Michigan's offensive line has answered every challenge since its rough start to open the year at Notre Dame. The Wolverines ran for more than 300 yards against Wisconsin. And on Saturday, Michigan racked up 183 on the ground against a MSU group that entered the game with the country's top-ranked rush defense. Once a question mark for this team, U-M's offensive line now looks like an answer. Both in pass protection on the ground, the Wolverines are getting it done up front with November on the horizon.
Defensive groove
Don Brown's defenses have turned in some serious performances during his three years at Michigan. But as far as big stages are concerned, that was probably the best its been for the Wolverines' under their current defensive coordinator. U-M held MSU to a ridiculous 0 of 12 mark on third down, MSU starter Brian Lewerke went 5 of 25 passing, the Spartans had 15 rushing yards and just 94 overall. Dominant in every area on the road, in a rivalry. Michigan's defense sparkled Saturday.
Health report
Michigan played its third straight game without defensive end Rashan Gary on Saturday. The Wolverines didn't miss his production, as MSU picked up less than 100 yards on the afternoon. Still, the question remains: How bad is Gary's shoulder injury and what's this situation look like moving forward? U-M has a bye week before Penn State on Nov. 3. Tarik Black was in uniform for the first time this year and appeared ready if needed. Juwann Bushell-Beatty left the field late in the game but reportedly claimed it wasn't serious. Gary is the biggest injury question mark.
Penn State prep
Penn State snapped a two-game home losing streak with a relatively uncomfortable five-point win at Indiana on Saturday. The Wolverines will host the Nittany Lions for the third stop on their "revenge tour." This is not the same Penn State team that blew Michigan off the field last fall. Saquon Barkley is a New York Giant now and Indiana put up more than 500 yards against this defense on Saturday.
Confidence
Michigan could not have drawn up a better situation for its bye after a Week 1 loss at Notre Dame. The Wolverines have ripped off seven straight wins, the overall health of the team is improving and a rivalry win at MSU has been secured. U-M is in the Big Ten driver's seat with November around the corner. It's been a long time since this program's been able to say that. But this is reality now. And, for Michigan, that's a good thing.
