One Day Later: Iowa

Michigan dropped its second straight game, a 30-28 decision to the No. 12 Iowa Hawkeyes last night at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa. Michigan turned the ball over five times in the loss, plus provided enough mental miscues to give the coaching staff plenty of teachable moments as U-M returns to Ann Arbor.

When the Wolverines dropped a 30-28 decision to the No. 12-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, late last night, the Maize and Blue showed just what they really are, a young, inexperienced football team.

Of the five Michigan turnovers, three, both a fumble and interception from Tate Forcier, plus a late interception by Denard Robinson, came from Michigan's pair of freshman signal callers. On defense, a pair of 3rd and long conversions, including a 47-yard bomb on 3rd and 24, plus a 3rd and 12 touchdown pass to Tony Moeaki, came at the expense of Michael Williams, getting his first career start at free safety.

With as much inexperience as this Michigan team has, should a two-point loss on the road against No. 12-ranked Iowa really be considered such a disappointment? Or has the shocking early season success lifted the expectations of this Michigan football team to an unattainable level.

Remember, this is still a football team that won three games last season.

Is 8-4 considered a disappointment? What about 7-5? Remember, the Big 10 didn't do Michigan any favors with Minnesota and Northwestern rotating off the Wolverines schedule starting this season. Instead, the Wolverines still face road games against Illinois and Wisconsin, two places that are difficult to win. Ohio State and Penn State still both must trip to Ann Arbor as well.

With a grueling schedule to finish out the season, it's impossible to think that we have seen the last Michigan loss in 2009. This team will continue, though, to get better. With experience, the freshman mistakes will cease to exist. As the defense continues to gel under new defensive coordinator Greg Robinson, and players settle into new positions, the defense will get better. The 3rd and 24 conversions will stop.

It starts next week with a game against Delaware State, a game that the Wolverines should obviously win. Since the Wolverines win against Notre Dame in week two of the season, even the expected wins have been closer than necessary. Delaware State is just what Michigan needs to get this season back on track. A game that Michigan youth will get valuable experience from. A game that will get Michigan's confidence back on track. Kick-off is scheduled for Saturday at Michigan Stadium.