Even in this era of wide open offensives and incredibly high-scoring results, football still often boils down to simple blocking and tackling.
Michigan did those two things way better than Minnesota Saturday. The result was impressive, a 49-24 victory that carried all the subtlety of a punch in the mouth.
Worried about Michigan's retooled offensive line? It was dominant.
Concerned the Wolverines' front seven is overrated? It was terrific.
It was quarterback Joe Milton's first career start and he managed the game exceptionally well. His reads were quick and decisive. He took care of the ball and spread it out to different receivers.
Milton didn't show his big arm, but it wasn't necessary because Michigan ran the ball so effectively and Milton was accurate.
Minnesota QB Tanner Morgan is the Big Ten's returning passing yardage leader and was second-team all conference in 2019. Yet, Milton was the more poised of the two QBs.
Now there will be those who will dismiss this victory. Minnesota's losses on defense were noticeable. So were the Gophers' depleted special teams. But it was nonetheless a statement by the Wolverines.
Jim Harbaugh's teams had become increasingly less physical. It was very hard-nosed Saturday, including displaying excellent open field tackling.
Milton has much more to prove, but it was a solid beginning, and perhaps a sign Harbaugh has regained his touch with quarterbacks.
And yeah, Harbaugh out-coached Minnesota's P.J Fleck. There is little question which team was better prepared.
Expect the 18th-ranked Wolverines to rise in the polls, and score a layup this week vs. struggling Michigan State.
But it's still a difficult landscape. Indiana, which follows the Spartans on UM's schedule, beat Penn State. Wisconsin was remarkably efficient in its opening victory over Illinois. Ohio State is, well, Ohio State, which Nebraska found out the hard way after hanging with the Buckeyes briefly Saturday.
Yet, there should be no complaints about Michigan after Saturday night. It was a methodical victory, and in every way.
