The No. 3 Michigan Wolverines faced a tough challenge on Saturday as they took on the Maryland Terrapins in a Big Ten clash at Capital One Field. The Wolverines were without their head coach Jim Harbaugh, who was suspended by the conference for the rest of the regular season due to a sign-stealing scandal. Despite the adversity, Michigan prevailed with a 31-24 victory to improve to 11-0 and keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive.
Sherrone Sherrie Moore steps up as acting head coach
With Harbaugh banned from the sideline, the responsibility of leading the Wolverines fell on Sherrone Moore, the offensive line coach and offensive coordinator. Moore, who is only 35 years old, became the youngest head coach in the FBS this season. He handled the pressure well, as he guided Michigan to a balanced and efficient offensive performance. The Wolverines racked up 421 yards of total offense, with 221 passing and 200 rushing. They also converted 8 of 15 third downs and scored on all four of their red zone trips.
Moore praised his players and staff for their resilience and support. “It was a great team effort. I’m so proud of these guys for how they fought and how they stayed together. They never flinched, they never blinked. They just kept playing hard and trusting each other. I’m also thankful for the coaches who helped me along the way. They did a tremendous job of preparing the team and making adjustments. It was a collective effort and I’m just honored to be a part of it.”
Cade McNamara and Hassan Haskins lead the offense
Michigan’s offense was led by quarterback Cade McNamara and running back Hassan Haskins, who both had stellar games. McNamara completed 18 of 25 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions. He also ran for a score and showed his toughness by playing through a shoulder injury. Haskins carried the ball 27 times for 156 yards and a touchdown, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He also caught three passes for 28 yards and another score. He became the first Michigan running back to rush for over 100 yards in six consecutive games since Mike Hart in 2007.
McNamara and Haskins credited each other for their success. “Hassan is a beast. He runs hard, he breaks tackles, he makes plays. He’s a leader on this team and he inspires everyone. He makes my job easier because he opens up the passing game and he’s a reliable receiver as well. He’s a complete back and I’m glad he’s on our side,” McNamara said. “Cade is a warrior. He’s a competitor, he’s a winner, he’s a leader. He played through pain and he delivered. He’s a great quarterback and I’m proud of him. He makes my job easier because he keeps the defense honest and he’s a threat with his legs as well. He’s a complete quarterback and I’m happy for him,” Haskins said.
Michigan’s defense holds off Maryland’s comeback attempt
Michigan’s defense had a solid game, holding Maryland to 314 yards of total offense and forcing two turnovers. The Wolverines also sacked Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa four times and pressured him throughout the game. Michigan’s defense was especially dominant in the first half when they limited Maryland to 97 yards and six points. The Wolverines led 21-6 at halftime and extended their lead to 28-9 in the third quarter.
However, Maryland did not give up and mounted a comeback attempt in the fourth quarter. Tagovailoa threw two touchdown passes to Dontay Demus Jr. and Rakim Jarrett, cutting Michigan’s lead to 31-24 with 2:51 left in the game. Maryland then recovered an onside kick and had a chance to tie the game or take the lead. But Michigan’s defense stepped up and stopped Maryland on fourth-and-10 at the Michigan 40-yard line, sealing the win for the Wolverines.
Michigan’s defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald praised his unit for their resilience and execution. “I’m proud of our defense for how they played today. They were aggressive, they were physical, they were disciplined. They made some big plays and some big stops. They also faced some adversity and some challenges, but they responded well and they finished strong. They showed their character and their heart.”
Michigan stays in the hunt for the Big Ten and the CFP
With the win, Michigan improved to 11-0 for the first time since 1997, when they won the national championship. The Wolverines also remained in first place in the Big Ten East division, with an 8-0 conference record. They control their destiny for the Big Ten title game, as they will face their archrival Ohio State Buckeyes next week in Ann Arbor. The winner of that game will clinch the division and advance to face Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game.
Michigan also stayed in the hunt for the College Football Playoff, as they are ranked No. 3 in the latest CFP rankings. The Wolverines have a chance to make the playoff for the first time in school history if they can win their remaining games. However, they will have to do it without Harbaugh, who is still suspended and awaiting a hearing on Friday. Harbaugh issued a statement after the game, expressing his support for his team and his frustration with the conference.
“I’m so proud of our team, our coaches, and our fans for how they performed today. They showed their passion, their pride, and their perseverance. They played with heart, with grit, and with class. They are the best team in the country and they deserve to be in the playoff. I’m also very disappointed and angry with the Big Ten for their unfair and unjust decision to suspend me. They have no evidence, no proof, and no due process. They are trying to sabotage our season and our program. They are biased, corrupt, and incompetent. I will fight for my rights and my team. I will not give up and I will not back down. I will be back and I will be better. Go Blue!”
