Not a whole lot to talk about this week. Michigan failed to cover the spread but looked rather dominant. The defense was excellent against the pass once again, and the offense basically treated this game as jump-ball practice for their wideouts.

It’s hard to believe this season is already drawing to a close. Michigan is looking to play into early January, but the regular season only has two tilts left: Senior Day against Indiana and a trip to The Shoe.

The Game

The Wolverines held another starting quarterback to under 100 yards, and really only made one major mistake. Isaih Pacheco escaped containment to dart 80 yards to tie the game at seven a piece. After that, Don Brown’s defense did what it’s done all year: destroy everything in sight. Artur Sitkowski went 8-of-19 for 40 yards and an interception.

Michigan didn’t record a sack, but they did hold the Knights to 113 yards on 32 attempts besides Pacheco’s scamper. Explosive Raheem Blackshear was targeted frequently but failed to make a true difference.

Offensively, the output was a bit surprising. Jim Harbaugh and Pep Hamilton definitely saw an opportunity to open up the passing game in an attempt to jump start an admittedly sleepy team. Shea Patterson may have had his best game at quarterback, but the receivers failed to take advantage of one-on-one and 50/50 opportunities.

Still, Michigan was electric through the air. Patterson went 18-of-27 for 260 yards and a trio of scores. Donovan Peoples-Jones grabbed five catches for 85 yards, and Nico Collins scored twice to cap off a three-reception, 56-yard day.

Karan Higdon topped 1,000 yards on the season en route to two short touchdowns. Chris Evans carried the ball six times for 75 yards and a touchdown as he continues to get back into form.

Overall, Michigan may have gotten its “meh” performance out of its system. Fortunately it happened against Rutgers, who predictably melted down with Chris Ash’s “pooped my pants” face gracing our screens.

Around the Country

The Throne

Bama and Clemson’s offenses looked human for the first time in over a month. Both defenses pitched shutouts (Boston College’s lone score was on a return). Spoils.

SEC

Georgia gets through Auburn, Florida was on the right side of a Muschamp meltdown, and Tennessee gets a big win.

ACC

Florida State is so bad.

Pac 12

Uncle Rico moves on. Washington State being a spot ahead of the Buckeyes is a really interesting situation for the CFB committee. Do they hold on if both teams win out?

Big Ten

Ohio State dominated the Spartans late and Northwestern locks up a spot in Indy.

Big 12

Maybe the most fun conference in America. Oklahoma vs. West Virginia has potential to be the game of the year.

Dan’s Picks (24-29-2: 2-2-2 last week)

Wisconsin +6 at Purdue

Virginia at Georgia Tech -6.5

Northwestern at Minnesota +3

Penn State -26.5 at Rutgers

Syracuse at Notre Dame -9.5