This isn't going to be as complete a thought process as what I usually post.  I missed the second half sitting in the emergency room with a ruptured tendon in my finger.  I'm told that it is "Mallet Finger" which, for 1000 words worth of picture, looks like so:

http://www.eorthopod.com/public/patient_education/6565/mallet_finger_in…


This obviously makes typing inconvenient, what with this splint on my finger and all.  But the show must go on.

Michigan left me a little worried leaving at half time.  It was a relief indeed to see the score for the good guys climb with each pass of the ESPN bottom line ticker while waiting at the ER.

Five Things:

1. Michigan looked shaky, yes, but in the end put the wood to their over-matched opponent.  We are going to win a lot of games by simply outscoring our opponents and I am cool with that.  It seems we have the ability to score on any play, from anywhere on the field.  I don't think we have ever had a more loaded stable of running backs, a nice thing to have with a set of freshman QBs. 
2. D-Rob has a lot of raw ability but I don't see him ever becoming a pass first QB after this performance.  With no completed passes and two picks, it might be time for us to realize that the fortunes of this team rest solely on the shoulders of Mr. Forcier.  If forced to insert D-Rob as the starter, this offense will quickly resort to a Pat White run/pass ratio.  This isn't the end of the world, but won't win us as many games IME.  Those running touchdowns won't come as easily against B10 defenses, or if the offense becomes one-dimensional.
3. There appears to be a rather large drop-off at linebacker behind Mouton.  From what I saw, and remember that I missed the entire second half, Eastern ran right at where Mouton would have been with a great deal of success.  Who was that guy that replaced him?  I can't say that I had ever heard of him.  Red rover, red rover, let the highly touted linebacker recruits come over.
4. English impressed me with his game-plan and by keeping the score close in the first half.  He is going to get Eastern some respect in coming years I think.  While time of possession is an overrated statistic, a 2:1 ratio is eye-opening.  I wish him all the best.
5. This coaching staff again made great half time adjustments, or at least it seems so.  Missing the second half of this one sucks, as I don't have any real idea of what kept Eastern off the scoreboard.  Maybe someone can enlighten me?

Looking Ahead:

As I said above, this is a team that can outscore most of it's opponents left on the schedule.  Assuming a steady, if slow progression by the O-line and the continued health of Mr. Forcier, we may well keep our PPG above 30.  I think we all should take a moment to savor just how different this year feels compared to last.  As we enter the B10 slate, already having as many wins as last season, we should thank our lucky stars that RR landed in our laps.  We have seen just how bare the cupboard actually was when Carr retired and I don't think that there are many coaches out there that could have turned the ship around this quickly.

At this point I am seeing 8-4 or 9-3 and maybe the Outback Bowl.  That sure sounds nice.  I think that we will almost undoubtedly defeat Indiana, Purdue, and Del. State.  I see us taking 2-3 of Illinois, Sparty, Wisky, and Iowa.  Then we have both Penn St and O$U at home so maybe a 25% chance of taking one of those.  If we can win one of those two I think we make the Citrus Bowl.

I hope that everyone was able to enjoy this game and that everyone made it home safe and sound.  Have a great week.

Edit:  It appears that everybody want to concentrate on my #2 observations and opinions.  So let me clarify:

• There is nothing wrong with a run-first QB and yes Pat White won many games.
• D-Rob may or may not be as good a QB as White, I have made the comparison but that doesn't mean D-Rob=Pat White.
• I merely think that D-Rob would not lead us to as many wins as Tate as a starter this season. 
• Yes, I don't see D-Rob as the Michigan QB of the future.  I agree it is too soon to tell.  I just don't see anything yet that would make me think he is better suited to QB than RB or Slot Receiver.
• Please realize that these are just opinions from one fan (by no means expert) and try not to get too offended when they differ from your opinions (expert or I suspect mostly not).

Edit#2:  I just saw the wolverinehistorian video that included D-Rob's second half touchdowns.  I have to admit, we might be just fine no matter which QB is in the game.  Maybe it was just the level of competition, but those runs were electric!