Jim Harbaugh has already turned Michigan into Big Ten title contenders

By Tommy Tabler | Oct 12, 2015

Many people expected the Michigan Wolverines to show gradual improvement throughout the season, but not improvement like the past few weeks. It is time to take the Michigan Wolverines seriously as far as being Big Ten title contenders go.

When Jim Harbaugh accepted the Michigan head coaching job, many observers thought that it would be a year or two before the Wolverines could challenge for the Big Ten title. After the first game of the season against the Utah Utes, many Michigan fans were thinking it might be longer than a one or two-year rebuild, but the Week One loss to Utah seems to have awakened Harbaugh and his Wolverines.

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Michigan has done nothing but improve since the loss to a Utah team that may be the best team in the country. The Wolverines have beaten some talented teams the past few weeks, including a solid BYU team and a then-No. 13 Northwestern who had the nation’s best defense. As USA Today’s Nicole Auuerbach explained, “It’s been nearly a decade since the Wolverines have been this consistent, this solid on both sides of the ball at the same time.”

Michigan’s defense has been the most impressive unit over the past three weeks. The Wolverines’ defense has recorded three straight shutouts and have become a major concern for other Big Ten programs. Michigan is only allowing 6.4 points per game.

The offense has been overshadowed by an incredible defense, but remains a work in progress. The Wolverines’ rushing attack is led by De’Veon Smith who is averaging more than five yards per carry. Quarterback Jake Rudock is managing the offense well to keep opposing defenses honest, but has more interceptions than touchdowns.

They will have their hands full against the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday, but at this point it would not be wise to bet against the Wolverines. Harbaugh and Michigan just continue to improve every week and the Big Ten should be worried, including the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes who haven’t played as well as Michigan so far this year.

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