Utah Ruins Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Debut

04 Sep, 2015

Michigan brought back its former star quarterback Jim Harbaugh to resurrect the program and hopefully improve the position he used to play. The nation found out there’s work to be done in Ann Arbor after the Wolverines lost 24-17 to Utah on Thursday night.

On the opposite sideline, Utah hoped its four-year starting quarterback would take the next step and show some consistency. The Utes called it a night feeling much better and more confident in Travis Wilson.

Harbaugh kept his plans for a starter secret throughout the offseason and it was Iowa transfer Jake Rudock who stepped under center for the season opener. Rudock was known at Iowa as a game manager – someone who isn’t lighting the world on fire, but also not turning the ball over. He threw three picks against Utah after throwing five in 12 games last year.

Rudock finished 27 for 43 with 279 yards and two touchdowns. The first touchdown was a dangerous throw to tight end Jake Butt in triple-coverage.

“Bad plays are going to happen … you want to limit them as much as you can,” Rudock said “But (Harbaugh) was supportive and telling me to keep going and keep working hard.”

Wilson didn’t take many risks, but he made several plays that were key to the win. He came out running the ball with Michigan focused on running back Devontae Booker. Wilson was smart and took open check-downs and got the ball into the hands of his playmakers. He completed 72.7 percent of his passes and ran for 61 yards and a touchdown. The goal this season is to complete 65 percent of his passes.

“Travis was very good, efficient,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. “He threw for a couple hundred yards and was more than a game manager. He did his thing and responded nicely.”

AP

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