HASSAN HASKINS

It didn’t take long for Hassan Haskins to impress one of the NFL’s best. On Tuesday, Tennessee Titans star running back Derrick Henry was asked about Haskins, the team’s fourth-round draft pick, who has apparently caught his eye. “I was excited when we got him,” Henry told reporters after a session of organized team activities. “I just tell him not to get too overwhelmed and to take it day-by-day.”Hassan was taken by the Titans with the No. In Nashville, Haskins finds himself on a roster with five other running backs currently, four of them with more NFL experience than him, including Henry.

Hassan Haskins was the thunder in Michigan’s thunder and lightning backfield duo with Blake Corum last season. “I just feel like I’m a powerful back, but I’ve got everything in the tool bag,” Haskins told reporters Saturday. I’m trying to gain yards and get those extra little YAC (yards after catch) yards. They love running the ball. I just feel like they love their running backs and they love running.

After Michigan’s football program went 13 years without having a running back drafted in the NFL, the Wolverines have now produced one in back-to-back years. Hassan Haskins, who had a breakout season with 1,327 rushing yards in 2021, was selected by the Tennessee Titans on Saturday in the fourth round (No. He will join 2019 and 2020 NFL rushing leader Derrick Henry in Tennessee’s backfield. Haskins is the fourth Michigan player drafted in 2022, joining defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (No. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

After leading Michigan to its first Big Ten championship in 16 years, Cade McNamara could be excused for expecting to be the quarterback getting the most attention at Saturday’s spring game.

Haskins rushed for 1,327 yards on 270 carries during the 2021 season, averaging more than 94 yards per game, and earned first-team all-Big Ten honors. “Just prove to everybody that I can be that back in the NFL and I can play,” Haskins said. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound Haskins says he has “big goals” this week, but declined to share them with reporters on Thursday. NFL teams prefer one“I feel like I’m a power back, but I got everything in the tool bag,” Haskins said. “He doesn’t speak a lot — but his energy’s there.”Haskins said he used to watch the NFL combine on TV, dreaming one day that he could be here.

He will get a chance to do so at the NFL Scouting Combine March 1-7 in Indianapolis. With the combine a few weeks away, Haskins, one of eight Wolverines invited, has his sights set on the 40-yard dash. Before a breakout season, Haskins was a staple on special teams. I’m just trying to prove myself and I’m gonna work my butt off. I’m gonna compete for anything and everything.

The Big Ten announced revisions to the 2022 football schedule on Wednesday (Jan. 12) for all 14 teams in the conference, including two noticeable changes for the Michigan Wolverines.

Wolverines standout safety Daxton Hill is the latest Michigan player to declare for the 2022 NFL draft after three seasons with the program.

But the team had several players on both sides of the ball emerge as stars, and it also had other inexperienced players step in and fill important roles. So who were the Wolverines’ top players in 2021? His run grade of 91.1 was higher than Haskins’ 89.0, but Corum struggled in pass blocking, earning just a 39.6 mark. Although he isn’t much of a running threat – he rushed for 125 yards not including sacks – he still earned a respectable running grade of 65.8. He ranked among the top three on the team among qualified players in run defense (84.9 grade), tackling (77.4) and coverage (80.4).

The Georgia Bulldogs shattered the glass slipper of the Michigan Wolverines Cinderella season with a 34-11 demolition on New Year’s Eve in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl inside Hard Rock Stadium.

No. 2 Michigan is the first team to reach the College Football Playoff after starting a season unranked in the AP Top 25.

Georgia’s defense was nearly invincible for three months, allowing less than a touchdown per game.

The winner will advance to the National Championship game where they will face either Alabama or Cincinnati in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium on Jan. 10. 2022.

The Michigan Wolverines and the Georgia Bulldogs will face off at the Capital One Orange Bowl of the College Football Playoff semifinal inside Hardrock Stadium on Dec. 31. 2021.

With bowl season in full swing and the 2022 NFL Draft just four months away, those hard conversations are already starting to be made. Here’s an early look at who might leave after this year, and who might stay, with our confidence level (on a 1-10 scale) for departure. The fifth-year graduate student has used up all of his college eligibility (even with the additional COVID year) and will certainly declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. Andrew Vastardis, a sixth-year graduate student and starting center, will likely give the NFL a shot after the 2021 season concludes. If he does, and it’s expected that he will, Haskins (who has until Jan. 17 to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft) has a good chance to be drafted.

Michigan football landed another top-10 recruiting class during the early signing period last week, but it’s the bottom third of Jim Harbaugh’s most criticized class that has elevated the Wolverines to a playoff appearance.

While Aidan Hutchinson garnered national recognition for his standout play this year, he earned the ultimate honor from his teammates on Sunday. Hutchinson, who already earned Big Ten defensive player of the year honors, was a consensus All-American and finalist for the Heisman Trophy, was also named defensive player of the year. Hutchinson also won the Rotary Lombardi Award and was named MVP of the Big Ten championship. Meanwhile, junior running back Hassan Haskins, who notched a program-record 20 rushing touchdowns this season, was named Michigan offensive player of the year and voted winner of the toughest player award by his teammates. Turner• Specialist of the Year: Jake Moody• Most Improved Player: Cade McNamara (offense), Luke Schoonmaker (offense), David Ojabo (defense), D.J.

Two members of the Michigan football team earned AP All-American first-team honors: edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and kicker Jake Moody.

Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young and Alabama teammates Will Anderson Jr. and Jameson Williams have been selected All-Americans by The Associated Press.

Hassan Haskins ran for two second-half touchdowns and broke a school record as No. 2 Michigan captured its first Big Ten title in 17 years and a probable playoff berth with a 42-3 rout over No. 15 Iowa.

The game Saturday night will decide the Big Ten Conference championship and a berth into the College Football Playoff for the Michigan Wolverines.

Michigan's running game vs. Iowa's run defense.

A day after Aidan Hutchinson was named Big Ten defensive player of the year, two of his teammates on the other side of the ball were recognized for their standout play. Running back Hassan Haskins and offensive lineman Andrew Stueber were named first-team all-conference selections for the 2021 season, it was announced Wednesday. His 1,232 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns ranked second in the Big Ten behind Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker III, who was named running back of the year. Stroud won awards for Big Ten offensive player, quarterback and freshman of the year awards. Michigan offensive players to earn all-Big Ten honors:Hassan Haskins — first-team running back (media/coaches)Andrew Stueber — first-team offensive lineman (media)Ryan Hayes — second-team offensive lineman (coaches)Zak Zinter — second-team offensive lineman (media)Andrew Vastardis — second-team offensive lineman (media)Cade McNamara — third-team quarterback (coaches/media)Blake Corum — third-team running back (media)

When Josh Gattis and Michigan’s offense began preparing for Ohio State during the offseason, they made a strong commitment to running the football. Jim Harbaugh’s team not only snapped a program-defining eight-game losing streak to Ohio State, but clinched a berth in the Big Ten championship game in the process. “We were going to dominate both fronts,” Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis said Monday night on the “Inside Michigan Football” radio show. They’re a good team — they’re a good team. They’re a finesse team; they’re not a tough team.

The Wolverines dominated Ohio State 42-27 on Saturday at Michigan Stadium. The Wolverine Confidential crew discuses what Michigan did to pull off the upset -- which really didn’t look like an upset at all. + The postgame mayhemPlus, a brief discussion about Michigan’s Big Ten championship with Iowa and a potential College Football Playoff invitation. 97Big Ten championship game sold out; Michigan, Iowa fans must pay up on secondary marketMichigan’s stunning win reignites rivalry with Ohio StateIowa’s Kirk Ferentz applauds Michigan for sticking with Jim HarbaughBeating Ohio State checks off one goal for Michigan football, but it still wants goldJim Harbaugh: Aidan Hutchinson should go No. 1 in NFL draftFor the first time in forever, Ohio State feels pain of a Michigan loss: ‘It’s a failure’

The two players central to Michigan’s monumental win over Ohio State earned nods from the Big Ten this week. Michigan (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten) will play Iowa for the Big Ten championship on Saturday in Indianapolis (noon, FOX). Haskins, a senior running back, rushed 28 times for 169 yards and five touchdowns in the win, tying a single-game program record for touchdowns. He finishes the regular season with 18 rushing touchdowns, second-most in program history with Anthony Thomas (2000) and Chris Perry (2003). The St. Louis, Mo., native is just one of three FBS running backs to record five rushing touchdowns in a game this season.

Hassan Haskins and Aidan Hutchinson have carried the Michigan football team all season, and with their performances in the win over Ohio State, they cemented themselves as program legends.

Before Saturday’s showdown between Michigan and Ohio State, many college football pundits believed the Wolverines needed to play a near-perfect game to have a chance. Michigan totaled 487 yards of offense, and although it allowed 458 yards to OSU’s top-ranked offense, it held it to just three touchdowns. PFF grades every player on every play in multiple facets of the game, such as passing, rushing, receiving, pass blocking, run defense, etc. With that said, here are Michigan snap counts from Saturday’s win and key takeaways from PFF’s grades. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

“Back in spring ball, that was something we felt we could do,” Harbaugh said after Saturday’s win. And that’s just not Michigan football.”Before Saturday, Ohio State boasted the second-best rushing defense in the Big Ten, a unit that only allowed 102.3 yards per game. “It was dominant on the offensive line, no question about it,” Harbaugh said. In a previous interview earlier this year, Moore, the first-year offensive line coach, described a unit that played with a physical identity. “We’ve been able to run the ball on a lot of teams that other teams haven’t been able to.

OSU (10-2, 8-1) had won the past eight meetings and 15 of the previous 16 entering Saturday. The senior tied a program record with five rushing touchdowns, including the final one that gave Michigan a 42-27 lead with 2:17 remaining. On Michigan’s final touchdown drive, he carried on all five plays, totaling 63 yards. He created havoc all game long in OSU’s backfield and recorded three sacks, breaking the Michigan single-season record of 12. Michigan’s only fourth-down stop came on OSU’s final possession, when it turned the ball over on downs in the final minute.

Hassan Haskins scored five touchdowns and Aidan Hutchinson had three sacks, helping No. 6 Michigan finally beat No. 2 Ohio State 42-27 to give Jim Harbaugh his first win as a coach against the rivals.

Running back Blake Corum and safety Brad Hawkins are both in uniform and on the field ahead of Saturday’s game vs. Ohio State (noon, FOX), a top-5 showdown to determine the Big Ten East winner. More: Michigan’s best chance to beat Ohio State? Michigan (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten) could also have Hawkins back in action after the senior departed last week’s win with an undisclosed injury. He is the team’s most experienced defensive back, with 28 starts at free safety, and would be helpful against the explosive Ohio State passing attack. Ohio State is wearing its traditional scarlet jerseys and grey pants.

The stakes are high for this year's version of The Game.

— Michigan made a conscious effort to run the football more this season — and it’s paid off for Hassan Haskins. He currently has 20 yards rushing today with Blake Corum available. So far this season, Haskins has five 100-yard rushing games, hitting that mark in four of the last games Michigan’s played. “You can talk about every part of Hassan Haskins’ game and refer to it as ‘excellent, outstanding,’” Harbaugh said. Phase.”Higdon ran for 1,178 yards in 2018, putting him 22nd in single-season Michigan football history.

Running back Blake Corum and corner Gemon Green are both available to play for the eighth-ranked Wolverines against Maryland (3:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network), a team spokesman confirmed to MLive. The spokesman declined to provide a status on Corum, only saying “stay tuned.”If Corum does play, it would give Michigan’s rushing attack a boost. The Marshall, Va., native who played his prep ball in Baltimore has 778 rushing yards, 137 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns this season. Green also appeared in a reserve role against Michigan State and IU.

No. 6 Michigan stayed put in the rankings after its 21-17 win at Penn State last week.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — During a season in which almost everything has gone right for Michigan football, Jim Harbaugh has witnessed a resurgence at one of the most coveted positions in the sport. Running the football was a way of life for Michigan, which seemed to return to those roots this summer with Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins. “I’m always working for extra yards, yards (after contact), keep my legs driving.”Haskins is a man of few words. “You can talk about every part of Hassan Haskins’ game and refer to it as ‘excellent’ and ‘outstanding,’” Harbaugh said this week. It wasn’t until two weeks ago against Michigan State when Haskins (2 catches, 18yards) was called upon.

Michigan recovered after a slow start to beat Penn State 21-17 on Saturday. PFF grades every player on every play in multiple facets of the game, such as passing, rushing, receiving, pass blocking, run defense, etc. With that in mind, here are Michigan snap counts from Saturday’s win and key takeaways from PFF’s grades. His 86.6 grade in the passing game led the Wolverines as he had a team-high five catches for 45 yards. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Michigan is leaving Penn State with a 21-17 victory, thanks to a late touchdown and key defensive stand. James Franklin explains Penn State’s fake field goal vs. Michigan: ‘I’d make the call again’ (Sporting News)Michigan Flips the Script in Critical Win Over Penn State: ‘If That’s Not Grit, What Is?’ (Sports Illustrated)No. 23 Penn State falls short in upset bid of No. 9 Michigan, 21-17: game balls, turning points and more (PennLive)Michigan vs. Penn State score, takeaways: No. 23 Penn State 21-17 (Associated Press)Jim Harbaugh, Michigan are living on the edge, but winning time vs. Penn State was different (The Athletic)

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – On the first play of Michigan’s game-winning drive Saturday at Penn State, Hassan Haskins received the hand-off on a read-option and made a few quick cuts before bursting through a hole. The senior running back was met by two Penn State defenders near the first-down marker, but he continued to bulldoze ahead with the defenders draped over him, turning a potential 9-yard gain into a 17-yard pickup. Haskins had been Michigan’s best offensive player in the game, and the Wolverines continued to feed him. After Michigan’s defense forced a turnover on downs on Penn State’s ensuing drive, Haskins iced it for the Wolverines (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten). After catching a screen pass, he turned up field and stiff-armed a Penn State defender, breaking free for a 15-yard gain on third-and-13.

Cade McNamara threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to tight end Erick All with 3:29 left and No. 9 Michigan stayed in the Big Ten championship race, rallying past tricky No. 23 Penn State 21-17.

Michigan football overcame a late blown lead against Penn State on Saturday in Happy Valley, bouncing back to earn a massive victory and keep its Big Ten title hopes alive.

Michigan came prepared and, more importantly, ready to play Penn State amid cold, blustery conditions at Beaver Stadium. The game-winning score came moments after Penn State appeared to seize momentum, too, turning a McNamara fumble into a go-ahead field goal with 5:55 to play. Both went unblocked during the game and became difficult to contain, suffocating Clifford and the Penn State offense at times. The Nittany Lions mustered just 109 yards rushing, led by Keyvone Lee’s 20 carries for 88 yards. Penn State mustered just one touchdown in four red-zone trips.

Michigan will try to keep its Big Ten title and College Football Playoff hopes alive when it visits Penn State on Saturday. They’ve lost two straight to Penn State, including a 27-17 defeat last year in Ann Arbor, and have lost their last two meetings in Happy Valley as well, last winning in 2015. Penn State has one of the best wide receivers in Jahan Dotson, who’s coming off a monster performance in a 31-14 win at Maryland. Penn State is 4-1 in Beaver Stadium after dropping its most recent home game, 20-18 to Illinois in nine overtimes on Oct. 23. 23 Penn State Nittany Lions (6-3, 3-3)When: 12:06 p.m.

Michigan’s football team is 8-1 after downing Indiana 29-7 on Saturday at Michigan Stadium. Defensively, they held Indiana 195 yards, including just 53 in the second half. PFF grades every player on every play in multiple facets of the game, such as passing, rushing, receiving, pass blocking, run defense, etc. With that said, here are Michigan snap counts and key takeaways from PFF’s grades from Saturday’s win. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Michigan football kept clinging to its slim Big Ten title and playoff hopes with a win over Indiana this weekend, but now it’s time for the program to do something it hasn’t done in a long time: finish the season strong.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan’s two-headed running attack was halved on Saturday with the sudden injury to Blake Corum, thrusting more responsibility (and carries) on Hassan Haskins. Corum was sidelined early on, in the first quarter following his first carry, leaving Haskins to handle the remaining workload. “It was a different feeling,” said Haskins, who now has a team-high 829 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season. He also took notice of “the big play,” Haskins’ 62-yard run that helped set up Michigan’s second touchdown of the game and 17-7 lead. Third-string running back Donovan Edwards was sidelined with an undisclosed injury for a second straight week, leaving the Wolverines with few options in the running game.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Jim Harbaugh struck an optimistic tone late Saturday when asked about the myriad of injuries his team suffered in a win over Indiana. I don’t know how (it happened).”But, Harbaugh said, “I don’t think it’s serious. I don’t know if it’s mild. It’s somewhere less than serious, we’ll say.”Harbaugh, as is customary with short-term injuries to his players, did not disclose the nature of the ailment. “I don’t know for sure.”Harbaugh added: “If they can heal like the Green brothers do, Gemon and German Green.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — On a day when the Big Ten’s best stumbled, some even losing, Michigan handled its business. The ninth-ranked Wolverines returned to their winning formula on Saturday, striking first and never letting go — rushing for 188 yards in a 29-7 win over Indiana at Michigan Stadium. Jim Harbaugh’s team had to settle for three field goals inside the Indiana 20-yard line, continuing a troubling trend that sank Michigan last week. After Indiana scored to pull within three, Michigan responded with a four-play, 75-yard touchdown drive highlighted by a 62-yard run by Haskins. Next up for Michigan is a trip east to State College, Pa., next week to play Penn State.

Michigan’s drive for perfection ended in agonizing fashion. Coach Jim Harbaugh says he doesn’t believe players will dwell on the second-half collapse.

Michigan’s drive for perfection ended in agonizing fashion.

Kenneth Walker ran for 197 yards and five touchdowns, lifting No. 8 Michigan State to a 37-33 comeback win over No. 6 Michigan on Saturday.

The spotlight shines on the Big Ten this week with three games sure to effect the division races and possibly the College Football Playoff.

This sure isn’t “speed in space,” the high-flying, fast-moving spread-based system Josh Gattis advertised when he arrived at Michigan in 2019. A balanced, physical attack led by a pair of running backs, Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins, have helped lead Michigan to a 7-0 start and No. 8 Michigan State (noon, FOX), Gattis said he couldn’t imagine running it any other way. “It’s about featuring our best players,” Michigan’s third-year offensive coordinator said Monday night on the “Inside Michigan Football” radio show. Michigan’s rushing attack ranks fifth in the country at 253 yards per game, while its passing game has floundered.

Michigan got off to a sluggish start, perhaps peeking ahead to playing Michigan State. Then the Wolverines used a strong finish to seal a matchup of undefeated rivals.

As more Wildcats converged on Michigan’s 6-foot-1, 220-pound running back to try and tackle him, several Wolverines linemen continued to push Haskins forward. He’s phenomenal.”MORE: ‘All focus is there.’ Michigan turns its attention to rival Michigan StateHaskins’ power run wasn’t the only highlight play from the Wolverines (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) on Saturday. With Michigan leading 17-7 midway through the third quarter, it forced Northwestern (3-4, 1-3) into a fourth-and-4 from its own 31-yard line. “(Special teams coach) Jay (Harbaugh) did a great job scheming that one up,” Jim Harbaugh said of the blocked punt. “Felt like we would only get one shot to take advantage of what they were doing in their punt scheme.

ANN ARBOR – Michigan’s football team overcame a shaky start Saturday and outscored Northwestern 23-0 in the second half of a 33-7 victory at Michigan Stadium. Michigan’s defense held Northwestern to 233 yards, with 75 coming on an Evan Hull touchdown run in the second quarter. Here is our stock report from Saturday’s game as the Wolverines improve to 7-0. STOCK DOWNRed zone offenseThe Wolverines settled for two field goals inside the red zone against Nebraska, and their red zone offense struggled in the first half against the Wildcats. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins combined for 229 yards rushing and four touchdowns, carrying No. 6 Michigan to a 33-7 win over Northwestern.

The Michigan Wolverines remain undefeated after beating the Northwestern Wildcats, 33-7, on Saturday at the Big House in Ann Arbor.

It ranks 101st nationally at 194 yards per game, below nine other Big Ten teams, including Iowa. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.comRunning backs —Thanks to a dominant first three games, Michigan’s rushing attack remains a top-10 unit during the bye week. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.comOffensive line —I don’t know how you give this group anything but an ‘A,’ for all the reasons outlined above. Pull up the highlights from every Michigan game this year and you’ll find a play that Hutchinson is directly involved in. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.comLinebackers —There was concern coming into the year here, given Michigan’s youth and inexperience, but they’ve worked around it well.

— Maybe Jim Harbaugh was on to something last week when he declared that his Michigan football team doesn’t flinch. Michigan squandered a 13-0 halftime lead and watched as the Cornhuskers scored 22 points in the third quarter alone. Not only did ninth-ranked Michigan have to deal with falling behind, but having to respond twice as part of a back-and-forth fourth quarter. Hawkins jumped on it, giving Michigan favorable field position and chance to win the game. This time it came in front of a raucous crowd of 87,380, facing real, tangible adversity for the first time all season.

A 39-yard field goal by kicker Jake Moody, his last of four successful kicks on the day, improved Michigan to 6-0 on the season. “Incredible plays made by incredible athletes — on both teams,” Harbaugh said. More: Michigan WR Roman Wilson injured, held out vs. Nebraska“I knew they wouldn’t flinch,” Harbaugh said. It’s in the eyes (during) practice and games.”Last week, after a convincing 38-17 win over the Badgers, Harbaugh said there was something “different” about this Michigan football team. The Wolverines welcome Northwestern to town on Oct. 23 with a real opportunity to start the season 7-0.

Michigan is seeking to win at Camp Randall Stadium for the first time since a 20-17 triumph in 2001 when the 14th-ranked Wolverines visit Wisconsin.

The Wolverines have received contributions from multiple players, but not all of them were highly regarded prospects coming out of high school. With that said, below are Michigan’s offensive starters and where they were ranked as prep prospects, according to 247Sports’ Composite system. Running back: Hassan Haskins, Eureka (Missouri) -- Haskins was a lightly recruited three-star out of high school. Tight end: Erick All, Fairfield (Ohio) – All was a four-star prospect in the 2019 class, ranked No. He held 28 offers out of high school, including Ohio State, Penn State, Oregon, Florida and Notre Dame.

The ground-oriented, weather-proof offense has long been preferred by Big Ten teams.

Blake Corum rushed for 123 yards and three touchdowns as No. 25 Michigan routed Northern Illinois 63-10 on Saturday.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Mike Hart stepped up to the podium outside Schembechler Hall on Wednesday afternoon a proud coach. Asked how he decides on who to put into the game, Hart — Michigan’s all-time leading rusher and All-American himself — joked “there’s this analytics company that tells me when” to put them into the game. Ironically, the way the game played out was similar to the way Hart controls his team playing video games, he said. So, yeah, I like playing that way.”As for the play-calling itself, Hart leaves that to offensive coordinator Josh Gattis. _________________Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Michigan football is coming off a dominant win over a Power Five program and fans are still angry. Oh yeah, football season is most definitely back.

Blake Corum sprinted for a 67-yard touchdown to give Michigan a double-digit lead in the second quarter, one play after Jim Harbaugh called for a fake punt and the Wolverines pulled away to beat Washington 31-10.

Corum added a seven-yard touchdown run during the Wolverines’ first possession of the third quarter, an eight-play, 73-yard drive made up entirely of running plays. Quarterback Cade McNamara finished the game just 7-of-15 for 44 yards, with much of his night spent handing the football off to Michigan’s ball carriers. Haskins, a junior, turned a team-high 27 carries into 155 rushing yards and a touchdown, his fifth career game with more than 100 yards. Meanwhile, Michigan’s defense played a much more disciplined, tighter game in Game 2 under new coordinator Mike Macdonald. Washington, which was coming off a stunning upset loss to FCS Montana last weekend, was held to just 50 rushing yards on 32 carries for an incredible 1.6 yard-per-carry average.

ANN ARBOR – On the eve before preseason camp began last month, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh said freshman running back Donovan Edwards would see the field on “day one.”The former top-50 recruit out of West Bloomfield High did. With the Wolverines up big in last Saturday’s season-opener against Western Michigan, Edwards had six carries in the second half for 27 yards. While his stat line wasn’t as impressive as Michigan’s two primary running backs, Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum, Edwards’ performance was encouraging to Michigan coaches. “I think Donovan Edwards is the one who probably impressed me the most,” Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis told reporters Wednesday. He’s gonna have his big plays; his big plays are right around the corner.

Western Michigan scored a touchdown on its opening drive, but it was all Wolverines after that. Michigan’s defense allowed just 201 yards after the first quarter while its offense racked up 549 total yards in a 47-14 rout at Michigan Stadium. Eleby only had one completion in the second quarter, and Hill was right there to make the tackle for no gain. Blowing up a tunnel screen to force a third-and-long on Western Michigan’s first drive of the second half was an elite-level play. He didn’t play much in the second half with Michigan up big, but he only had two catches for 15 yards on three targets in the first half.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan wasn’t kidding when it said it was going to run the football more. They were winless last year during a 2-4 season that saw Michigan rank near the bottom of the Big Ten in rushing yards per game. Corum, a Marshall, Va., native, added a pair catches, including a 14-yard touchdown pass that opened the scoring for Michigan. Replay: Relive Michigan’s win, drive by drive, with MLive live updatesWith a first-year defensive coordinator, Mike Macdonald, the Wolverines struggled to keep pace with Western Michigan to start. Michigan would settle for a 29-yard field goal from Jake Moody, but it helped set a tone for the game.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — It was a frank admission last month, one that Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis revealed to members of the media and public as his biggest regret. Yes, moving the football and scoring points was an issue at times, but the discrepancy in the rushing numbers bothered Gattis. “We didn’t run the ball enough,” Gattis said in August as Michigan kicked off its preseason camp. A new running backs coach, Mike Hart, was hired and Sherrone Moore was promoted to offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator, a new role that has him more involved with the running game. “I’m very excited about our run game.

It happens every offseason among Michigan football fans: The number of offensive skill players generating hype far exceeds the number of those who will actually make a significant impact.

Michigan’s true-freshman running back Donovan Edwards impressed coaches in the spring with his work ethic and talent, so much so that he’s worked his way into the depth chart and will be part of the playing rotation on Sept. 4. Last month at Big Ten Media Days, Harbaugh told reporters that “you’ll be seeing Donovan Edwards Game 1″ — a statement backed up Thursday by Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis. “Donovan will play Week 1,” Gattis told reporters on Thursday. Edwards played for a state championship in football in late-January, then made the transition to Michigan and the start of spring ball in late-February. And the thing that Donovan understands is that it takes the whole team; it takes a whole team to win a championship.

Note: This is the third story in a new offseason series from MLive highlighting Michigan’s most important players in 2021. He led the Michigan receivers in catches and yards each of the past two years, yet 2021 brings on a new role for Ronnie Bell. “My game is just to build on everything that I’ve done,” Bell told reporters in March. Cornelius Johnson (16 catches, 254 yards) and Mike Sainristil (7 catches, 82 yards) are the two most experienced, followed closely by Roman Wilson and A.J. “I’ve not only grown as a player, but just as a person.”Which makes the role Bell plays in 2021 all that more important.

Note: This is the second story in a new offseason series from MLive highlighting Michigan’s most important players in 2021. More: Michigan DL Phillip Paea latest to enter transfer portal“I want to become first-team all-Big Ten, All-American,” Hawkins said. They broke in two new, inexperienced players at cornerback to play with Hawkins and Daxton Hill, regarded as one of Michigan’s best defensive players. What’s important now. And what’s important now is what’s going on right now.

Note: This is the first story in a new offseason series from MLive highlighting Michigan football’s most important players in 2021. While that doesn’t look great for Michigan’s ability to develop and retain running backs in recent years, Haskins is the rare outlier. Yet here is, entering Michigan’s 2021 season as the leader of the running backs, a group key to the Wolverines’ success this fall. Yet he still finished with a team-high 375 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry and 62.5 yards per game despite having to share carries with three other running backs. He’s had four 100-yard rushing games, including two in the final two games of the 2020 season.

Mike Hart knows a thing or two about what it takes to be a successful college running back. “Working with him is a blessing,” redshirt junior Hassan Haskins said Tuesday on a video conference call with reporters. Hart has tutored four 1,000-yard rushers during his 10-year career as an assistant, with Stevie Scott being the latest at Indiana. The 34-year-old assistant takes over the running backs role at Michigan from Jay Harbaugh, who has moved to coaching tight ends. “Every day when I talk with him, I’m learning everything that he tells me,” Haskins said of Hart.

With spring practice underway and things heating up with Michigan football, what better way to get started than talking potential starters? Jim Harbaugh’s team is coming off a disappointing 2-4 mark during an abbreviated 2020 season that saw Michigan cancel its final three games due to COVID-19 concerns. Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara takes the snap during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Penn State, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)APQuarterback1. Penn State linebacker Ellis Brooks tackles Michigan tight end Erick All during the first quarter in Ann Arbor, MI on Nov. 28, 2020. Regardless, there’s a lot of depth here and talent that fits what Gattis is trying to do schematically with the offense.

But first, a look at where Michigan stands at running back heading into spring 2021. With a new quarterback set to break in Week 1 against Minnesota, the Wolverines leaned on the running game early — and it paid dividends. Haskins led all running backs with 56 rushing yards on eight carries, while Charbonnet followed up with three yards on five carries. Michigan State won the game, 27-24. But the running game certainly didn’t help things.

Cornelius Johnson #6 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate a fourth quarter touchdown during the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan football has officially signed 20 new players, and the overwhelming theme of this roster is a stacked offense and a defense with major holes. Offensive firepowerThere will certainly be transfers, NFL draft declarations and possibly even some late additions to the roster before the 2021 season, but as it stands, Michigan’s offense looks completely loaded. All three were stars in high school and highly regarded during the recruiting process. Losing commit Quintin Somerville to UCLA on Wednesday was a major blow for the 2021 class, as now, Kechaun Bennett, T.J.

The Spartans (1-1, 1-1 Big Ten) appeared to be the better team all afternoon on both sides of the ball in Mel Tucker's debut as coach in the rivalry. Tucker became just the second coach to beat Michigan in his first attempt with the Spartans, joining Alabama coach Nick Saban, who did it in 1995. The Wolverines (1-1, 1-1) were favored to win by more than three touchdowns. Running back Hassan Haskins scored on a 2-yard run with 37 seconds left to help Michigan pull within three points. The onside kick was recovered by Michigan State running back Connor Heyward and Lombardi converted a fourth-and-2 from the Michigan 36 with a sneak to seal the victory.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan football made plenty of huge plays in its blowout win over Minnesota, but what about the under-the-radar moments that helped Jim Harbaugh’s team maintain control of the game? Upshaw’s tackle ultimately saved Michigan four points, and instead of a tie game, the Wolverines maintained a 14-10 lead. Four plays later, Haskins punched the ball into the end zone to give Michigan an 18-point lead, and the game was virtually over. After coming out with an impressive touchdown drive to get back within 11 points, Minnesota kicked off and forced a fumble during Blake Corum’s return. “There was a ton of hustle plays throughout the game,” Harbaugh said.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Which pair of Michigan football players who share a jersey number will unite to be the most valuable this season? This year’s roster, with the new rule in place, has 45 duos who will wear the same jersey number. Some of the Michigan jersey number duos contain players who will contribute on different sides of the ball. 1: Both players must wear a jersey number for the entire season for their stats to qualify in favor of said jersey number. Other eligible duosHere are all the other jersey number duos listed on the 2020 Michigan football roster, as of Oct. 16.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan has been good, not great, under coach Jim Harbaugh. Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye said the team is under the radar and has taken a lot of punches from people. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel has said more than once that he wants Harbaugh to lead the Wolverines until he chooses to retire from coaching. Heading into his sixth season, though, Harbaugh has just two years left on a deal that pays him about $7 million per season. The Wolverines host rival Michigan State and its new coach, Mel Tucker, in their second game.

Every single recruiting class is important, and the Wolverines have reached the point where the 2018 class -- by far Harbaugh’s most criticized group -- has to make major contributions. Remembering the 2018 recruiting cycleThe 2018 class was recruited amid Michigan’s worst season of the Harbaugh era. The result was Michigan’s only full recruiting class to be ranked outside the top 20 since Harbaugh took over. Michigan’s recruiting has since rebounded, but that 2018 unit will play a major role in the coming seasons. 18 in MissouriRole: Guaranteed starterNobody better exemplifies the 2018 class than Bell, and everyone who follows Michigan football knows his story.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan football had a crowded running back room last season, and this year doesn’t figure to be any different as a familiar face and a talented freshman join Hassan Haskins and Zach Charbonnet. Four different players received more than 40 carries for Michigan last season: the aforementioned duo of Haskins and Charbonnet, along with Tru Wilson and Christian Turner. Michigan’s running back depth didn’t take a hit, though. Early last season, Charbonnet was the clear leader, as evidenced by his 33 carries in the double overtime win over Army. If there are any additional reps to go around behind Charbonnet, Haskins and Evans, Corum is the favorite to take them.

Its no coincidence the team started to trend upward when Hassan Haskins joined Zach Charbonnet in the offensive backfield. Michigan running back Zach Charbonnet (24) runs for a 35-yard gain as Notre Dame safety Alohi Gilman (11) pursues in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. The most obvious change: Michigan started using two running backs instead of solely relying on Charbonnet. Michigan needed Charbonnet to carry the ball 33 times in order to survive, but that essentially cost him two games. After averaging 10.4 yards per carry against Illinois, Haskins gained 149 yards on 20 carries against Notre Dame and 60 yards on 13 carries against Maryland.

Michigan was supposed to be one of the best teams in the Big Ten, but instead, it was off to another slow start. There was speculation that Michigan could lose as many as five or six games, and in fairness, it was justified. Zach Charbonnet #24 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a first half touchdown with teammates while playing the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Michigan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)Harbaugh got one of the biggest wins of his Michigan tenure, trouncing Notre Dame 45-14. Tough games against Michigan State and at Indiana await after the bye week, but if Michigan continues on this upward trajectory, it should continue to rack up victories.

15 Michigan looks to build on its biggest win of the season when it visits Maryland on Saturday in Big Ten play. The Wolverines rolled up 303 rushing yards en route to an emphatic 45-14 win over then-No. Michigan has held four of its last five opponents to fewer than 65 rushing yards. Maryland extended its turnover streak to 20 straight games, which is the longest in the nation. PREDICTION: Michigan 35, Maryland 13

Its not People-Jones, Collins or even Patterson carrying the Michigan offense. Hassan Haskins #25 of the Michigan Wolverines tries to jump over the tackle of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah #6 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during a first half run at Michigan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)Other than Michigan, Haskins had scholarship offers from Purdue, Memphis, Eastern Michigan, Ohio and Western Kentucky. In the last three games -- against Illinois, Penn State and Notre Dame -- Haskins has gained 302 yards on 45 carries. While Charbonnet has scored nine touchdowns already this season, Haskins has proven to be a solid all-around option for the Wolverines to avoid overworking the true freshman.

Zach Charbonnet #24 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a first half touchdown with teammates while playing the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Michigan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 8 Notre Dame. Michigan State is always a difficult game for Michigan, especially in Ann Arbor. Zach Charbonnet #24 of the Michigan Wolverines scores a first half touchdown past Jalen Elliott #21 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Michigan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Either way, Michigan will have bragging rights over Notre Dame for at least the next 14 years.

8 Notre Dame. Hassan Haskins #25 of the Michigan Wolverines tries to jump over the tackle of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah #6 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during a first half run at Michigan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State is always a difficult game for Michigan, especially in Ann Arbor. Zach Charbonnet #24 of the Michigan Wolverines scores a first half touchdown past Jalen Elliott #21 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Michigan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Either way, Michigan will have bragging rights over Notre Dame for at least the next 14 years.

7 Penn State will try to feed off an electric home environment to earn another when it hosts No. LINE: Penn State -9The much-anticipated contest comes on the heels of Penn State's 17-12 win at then-No. Penn State enters the week ranked second among FBS teams in scoring defense (8.2), fourth in total defense (259.7 yards per game) and tied for second in sacks (27). Wolverines junior WR Nico Collins (269 yards, two TDs) missed last week's game with an undisclosed injury but could return Saturday. PREDICTION: Penn State 23, Michigan 16More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.