ANN ARBOR - Now that that game is out of the way ...
(Is that lede even gramatically correct?)
Anyhow. That would be the presumptive attitude to take after Michigan's 63-13 win over Massachusetts. But in the matter of any perfectionist, the Wolverines still see areas in which they can improve in preparation for next weekend.
Michigan coach Brady Hoke singled out the offensive and defensive lines, and Michigan’s defense has had trouble creating turnovers in its first three games. And even though seven different players combined for 294 yards rushing, the offensive backfield still needs to refine its depth.
Because the cupcake part of the schedule is over. The Wolverines face No. 20 Notre Dame, a 20-3 winner Saturday over No. 10 Michigan State, next Saturday (Sept. 22) in South Bend, Ind. And it's unlikely that Michigan will face another program like UMass, in its first season of playing an FBS schedule and taking its collective lumps. Because even though Irish coach Brian Kelly is taking the same approach that Hoke is taking after Saturday's games - "There are a lot of things to work on" - Notre Dame has legitimized itself with a win over a ranked opponent and because there's a steadying competitive balance in the Big Ten's Legends Division.
Next weekend won't just be about the pomp and circumstance that comes with a game day in South Bend. This should serve as the best measuring stick to see where and how high the Wolverines stand.
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