Harbaugh loses debut
SALT LAKE CITY — Jim Harbaugh was first to greet Jake Rudock on the Michigan sideline after he threw the pick-6 that pretty much ended any hope the Wolverines had of winning the much-hyped debut of their much-hyped coach.
The coach put an arm around his player, told him that the Utah defensive back made a great play and gave the forlorn quarterback a pat on the helmet.
Michigan fans will need to have the same type of patience with their team. Harbaugh has restored hope to the proud program, but as the 24-17 loss to the Utes on Thursday night showed, a return to glory is going to take some time.
“A lot of positives,” Harbaugh said. “Some things to build on.”
After an offseason filled with Harbaugh-mania, it was time to play some football, but in many ways Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines looked a lot like the ones coached last season by Brady Hoke, who was fired after going 5-7.
Too many turnovers by the quarterback (Rudock threw three picks). Little production from the running game (76 yards on 29 carries). A defense that played OK, but got little support.
“I thought we had a great game plan,” said tight end Jake Butt, who had eight catches for 93 yards and a touchdown. “We just didn’t execute.”
Linebacker Joe Bolden echoed that. “I sound like a broken recorder, but we didn’t execute,” he said.
Harbaugh gave a little laugh when he was told how the players harped on lack of execution.’
“I think they are being too hard on themselves,” he said.
Since that January day in Ann Arbor when Harbaugh was introduced as coach of his alma mater, he has been the most interesting man in college football. An internet sensation to rival the Kardashians. He has inspired Michigan fans to put Gatorade on their cereal, proclaimed his profound admiration for Judge Judy and pulled off the interstate to help two women who had been in a car wreck.
He has made wearing khakis ironic in Ann Arbor.
Harbaugh appeared at ease before the game.
