Big Ten Football: Week 3 Power Rankings

7. Michigan (6)

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Last Week: 34-10 win against Miami (OH)

Michigan bounced back from their dismal performance against Notre Dame (a 31-0 shutout loss) with a convincing victory over the lowly Redhawks.

Miami did keep it close late into the third quarter but, Michigan’s defense stepped up and shut out the Redhawks in the second half.

One of the more encouraging stat lines from Saturday’s contest was that running back Derrick Green had another solid day (22 carries, 137 yards, two touchdowns).

The much-ballyhooed recruit has looked good this season, after a disappointing freshman campaign.

Unfortunately for Michigan fans, this team still leaves a lot to be desired. Its good to get the taste of a shutout to one of your rivals out of your mouth, but trust me, some of that still lingers.

For many of the Brady Hoke years, the Wolverines have done a good job looking the part against inferior opponents.

It’s in those big game situations against good teams that Michigan has routinely come up short, often times looking completely outclassed.

A lot of key games remain on the schedule, including road games versus Michigan State and Ohio State, but it already seems like Hoke is coaching for his job.

A loss against Utah in the Big House would likely derail any sort of successful season and start a dumpster fire that would end in a coaching search.

This week, and every week, will be big for the head man at Michigan.

This Week: Utah (Sept. 20- 2:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN2)

My Prediction: Michigan 27-20