Citrus Bowl = Wow

David Guralnick / Detroit News

It was a perfect day.  The weather was in the mid 80's and sunny at kick off and then clouds moved in to cool it down a few degrees.  Before the game, I got to catch up with friends and then got the pleasure to watch a Jim Harbaugh lead team dismantle the Gators in every aspect of the game.

Thank you Jim Harbaugh for coming home and taking the Michigan job.  This program was probably as low as it could go last year at this time and you found away to 10 wins and a Citrus Bowl victory. 

Thank you Jake Rudock, you also played a huge role in getting Michigan back to 10 wins and bowl victory.  You started shaky in the Utah game but the Citrus Bowl was one of the best QB performances from a Michigan QB that I have ever witnessed.   You sir are my MVP for the season, and thank you again for taking a chance on the Wolverines and saving the year. 

Michigan won every aspect of the game but I will take a shot at the cheers list:


Cheers

• Jake "Freaking" Rudock played great against a very good Florida secondary.  The NFL now might be taking the world away from a great future Doctor.  His QBR was near perfect for the game! Jake is only the 2nd QB in Michigan history to pass for over 3000 yards.

• If you give Jim Harbaugh 4 weeks to prepare for an opponent look out!

• I have to give the offensive line some love, that was a talented Florida DL and they held their own by giving Michigan 225 yards rushing.

• Michigan's defense played well minus Peppers and the Gator only scored on a trick play.   The Defense also held Florida to 28 total yards in the second half (262 overall yards).  The Wolverines also forced two turnovers in the red zone with the stop of the fake field goal and the interception in the end zone.  

• Jehu Chesson played great and beat one of the best CB's in county in Vernon Hargreaves all day, who is expected to be the #1 CB taken in the NFL Draft.   Jehu finished with 118 yards receiving.

• Blake O'Neil was out with a leg injury but Michigan only had to punt once during the game.

• De’Veon Smith went over 100 yards and broke a ton of tackles!

Jeers

None

(The injuries to Darboh and Chesson could be considered Jeers but I don't think either are too serious)

This was by the far the best game the Wolverines played all year.  This Florida defense is for real and the Michigan offense picked them apart all day.   If the rumors about John O'Korn are accurate and if Michigan can find some LB's, this might only be a taste of what's to come next year!!  Go Blue!