It’s only one game. Only 225 yards passing. Only two touchdowns. But for the first time in some time, there is hope that Michigan finally has found a quarterback capable of lifting the program back to a place of prominence.
Oh, I get it. We’ve done this before. Heck, we do this every year. You will probably highlight this column the moment Michigan loses a game and the Jim Harbaugh hate cascades across the internet.
But Joe Milton looks the part. He’s 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds with an enormous arm, and he can really move at his size. Against Minnesota last week, Michigan cruised as just a field goal-favorite on the road against one of the darlings of last season.
Even Milton’s seven incompletions were “wow” moments. And Michigan finally showcased some creativity in the play-calling that maximized his wealth of abilities.
With a stable of young skill position players — including a quality core of young running backs — there is reason to believe Michigan might finally approach the lofty expectations Harbaugh inherited when he arrived.
This week’s point spread against Michigan State speaks volumes, as the Wolverines are 21.5-point favorites over their rivals. The Spartans’ inept debut last weekend — a deflating 38-27 loss to Rutgers — is a big part of that. But Michigan’s offense unquestionably plays a big role as well.
It is likely the Wolverines will be an underdog only once this season. Wisconsin, now with uncertainty surrounding its season, will visit Ann Arbor in the middle of November. Well, hopefully.
Penn State, coming off a deflating and controversial 36-35 loss to Indiana, will also play Michigan on the road. On Dec. 12, Michigan will travel to Ohio State. Barring injury, Milton will try to do something no quarterback under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan has done — beat the Buckeyes.
Time will tell how tall of an order this is. But for now, it feels reasonable to finally expect more from Michigan. And the intrigue in the team’s young quarterback — a player with immense gifts and potential — will only grow over time.
This is The Break the Scoreboard Game of the Week — Central Florida (-3, total of 82.5) vs. Houston.
Before we dissect this total and what could be an outrageous, marathon football game, here are Central Florida quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s game-by-game passing yard totals thus far: 417, 408, 330, 601, 422.
He also has accounted for 20 touchdowns in those five games, becoming one of the sport’s must-see attractions.
Despite being regularly dealt some of the largest totals on the board, UCF has still hit the Over in four of five games. Houston, which is no slouch in this department, has hit the Over in all three games.
What you’re left with is a total that will be one of the largest we’re dealt all year. It opened at 76.5 and since has ballooned well above 80.
It’s also a delightful football game — one that Houston should be up for. A mild upset wouldn’t surprise.