Takeaways from UM win: Special teams getting their kicks

What went right

Plenty went right with the Michigan defense in a 28-0 shutout that included 12 three-and-outs and three interceptions, but there also were some special teams highlights. Australian punter Blake O'Neill pinned Maryland on the 1-yard line in the first quarter on a 48-yard punt and a 30-yard punt was downed at the Maryland 5-yard line early in the fourth quarter. A squib kick late in the first half, however, has drawn amused responses from Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh in his postgame comments and on his television show. "We're going to have to add that to the practice list," Harbaugh said, smiling, to show host Jim Brandstatter. The coverage teams were solid, largely negating exciting Maryland return specialist William Likely.

What went wrong

Michigan was a slow-starter offensively against Maryland and had two fumbles in the first half. Quarterback Jake Rudock was 16-of-32 for 181 yards and one touchdown and interception for the game. Without starting tailback De'Veon Smith, the running game struggled initially with 43 rushing yards. Tailback Ty Isaac accounted for one fumble in the first half and fumbled later in the game but recovered. The Wolverines adjusted and finished with 198 yards, including 66 on a Jehu Chesson run for a touchdown. Drake Johnson, nearly fully recovered from a torn knee ligament suffered at the end of last season, had 68 yards on 13 carries and scored a one-yard rushing touchdown and on a 31-yard catch off a screen pass. Johnson said the offense tinkered with a number of plays in the game plan until something finally hit. "It started clicking," he said. "Once we got to that point we just started rolling."

Michigan developing an attitude on defense

Key developments

Mario Ojemudia suffered what Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh suggested could be an Achilles tendon injury in the Maryland game. That would be a significant loss for the defense. Ojemudia has 19 tackles, six for loss and two sacks this season. That type of injury could be season-ending. "That is a hard, tough type of rehab," Harbaugh said after the game. "It's a tough injury. It's surgery and then he can't do anything. Once you do rehab that, it comes back solid. Royce Jenkins-Stone likely will take on more responsibility. Starting tailback De'Veon Smith and cornerback Channing Stribling did not make the trip to Maryland because of injuries. Frankly, Harbaugh said, those were his decisions because he did not want them to return too quickly and aggravate the injuries. Smith left the BYU game last Saturday late in the third quarter because of a lower right leg injury and appeared at the postgame news conference in a protective boot. Stribling's injury was not disclosed. He said Smith wanted to play, as did Stribling, "but it really was a one-game injury and it's got a chance to be that, and I'd like to keep it at that," Harbaugh said about both players. "The decision was made to not turn it into a four- or five-week injury."

Most telling quotes

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who watched from the sideline as his brother, Jim, coached Michigan last Saturday: "He's the same guy growing up who he's always been. The thing about Jim, and I love this about him, he is who he is. He's the same guy he's always been. He loves football, he loves the guys. He was coaching them on how to sing the fight song in the locker room after the game. And it was a heck of a fight song, I've got to tell you. That's who he is and I'm proud of him."

UM linebacker Desmond Morgan on holding each of the last two teams to 105 yards of offense: "I think we have to start working toward that under-100 mark."

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh: "I think our team is playing Michigan football, and we need to build on it, of course, and get better. I think we can play better. I think there's still a higher level."

What's next

Unbeaten, 13th-ranked Northwestern, that's what's next. The Wildcats, like Michigan, are coming off a shutout in their Big Ten opener after blanking Minnesota. And also like Michigan, their defense is their calling card this season. Northwestern is No. 1 nationally in scoring defense allowing an average 7.0 points a game (Michigan is No. 2, 7.6 points), is fifth in total defense (247.4), while Michigan is second, and is second in third-down percentage defense, behind Michigan. Quarterback Clayton Thorson has four rushing touchdowns and averaging 33 rushing yards a game but has completed 56.6 percent of his passes for an average 142.2 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Justin Jackson is averaging 127.2 yards a game and has scored once. Cornerback Matthew Harris has three interceptions including one returned for a touchdown. He also has six pass breakups.

Northwestern at Michigan

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor

TV/radio: BTN/WWJ

Records: No. 13 Northwestern 5-0, 1-0 Big Ten; No. 18 Michigan 4-1, 1-0

Line: Michigan by 8

Series: Michigan leads 56-15-2