New Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said at the onset of preseason practice that his program would be "going into a submarine" as it prepared for the 2015 season. The submarine finally surfaced Thursday night, but the Wolverines need to submerge again for some more work.
Utah 24, Michigan 17.
The Utes got a strong performance from quarterback Travis Wiilson, who completed 24 of 33 passes for 208 yards. The Utah defense, meanwhile, recorded three interceptions from Michigan quarterback Jake Rudock to spoil the Michigan debut of the former Michigan quarterback who returned to his alma mater eight months ago after leaving the NFL's San Francisco 49ers. The Wolverines' defense did an excellent job defending Utah star running back Devontae Booker, holding the senior to 69 yards on 22 carries.
Utah's Justin Thomas clinched the game with 2:05 remaining in taking Rudock's third interception 55 yards for a touchdown, extending the Utes' lead to 24-10.
Harbaugh, for his part, sounded as though his confidence in Rudock is unshaken after the game.
Michigan will look to even its record next week in its home opener against Oregon State.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
