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You never would have known that the Wolverines were beat by an unknown school their first game of the season after watching them beat #10 Penn State today. Not only that, but they beat Notre Dame last week too. What gives here? Why is it that they were so unsuccessful at winning against teams like Appalachian State and Oregon, but so successful at beating historical powerhouses like Notre Dame and Penn State?

Here’s some viewpoints on that very subject:

Hart is heart and soul of Wolverines

From the story

Michigan fans should simply call him a winner after his 153-yard rushing effort led the Wolverines to a 14-9 victory over Penn State and an early share of the Big Ten lead.

Michigan’s season changed the moment Hart guaranteed a victory over Notre Dame. The 5-foot-9-inch tailback later explained that he had said it as much to pump himself up as his teammates, and the effect has been a dramatic turnaround for the Wolverines.

Michigan thrives in underdog role

From the story

Can a team be David and Goliath in the same season?

If you’re Michigan, the answer is yes.

The Wolverines won a Big Ten slobberknocker on Saturday, upsetting No. 10 Penn State 14-9. The catalyst for Michigan’s revival was running back Mike Hart. You want heart? How about a career-high 44 carries for 153 yards and a touchdown?

Instant Analysis: Michigan-Penn State

From the story

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand why 0-2 and misery have turned into 2-2 and hope for the Maize and Blue. They faced a quarterback who couldn’t run. It really is that simple. When Michigan’s defense has a stationary target to attack, Ron English’s crew can play the physical, grinding style of ball that has defined the Big Ten and Upper Midwest football for generations. Without a savvy, shifty signal caller around to frustrate and flummox them, Michigan’s defensive 11 flew around the Big House on Saturday, allowing not a single touchdown against an impotent Penn State offense led by much-maligned quarterback Anthony Morelli.

Whenever Joe Paterno’s team threatened to reach the end zone in a game where neither side held a lead of more than one possession, Michigan’s defense stood tall while Morelli fired red-zone blanks. The overall lack of speed on Penn State’s offense enabled dark-shirted defenders to keep plays in front of them and turn aside anything and everything that came their way.

I for one am glad that they’re at least doing something with their season. It was crushing to see them lose the first two games of the season. I’ve been a huge Michigan fan since I was practically able to talk (well, maybe that’s an exaggeration) but it’s definitely been a long time, and I always look forward to watching them. It sure did seem dim after those two games, but brightness definitely befalls my face now.

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