Michigan Wolverines: 5 Takeaways from 35-7 Win Over Oregon State

Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines improved their record to 1-1 with a 35-7 win over Oregon State. What five takeaways are there from the game?

After losing to the Utah Utes last week, the Wolverines wanted to come out this afternoon and prove that they are capable of competing in the Big Ten. Defeating a solid Oregon State football team was much easier said than done, but they were able to get the job done. Harbaugh has to be happy following the win, especially with the dominant fashion that his team played on both sides of the football.

There are plenty of reasons for Michigan and their fans to be excited following today's win. It has been awhile since they have been legitimate contenders and while they still have a long way to go, Harbaugh is leading them in the right direction.

All of that being said, let's take a look at the five things that can be taken away from today's win for the Wolverines.

1. Jake Rudock Still Needs a Lot of Improvement

Jake Rudock has the potential to be a very solid starting quarterback for the Wolverines, but he didn't show that potential this afternoon. Harbaugh has made it clear that he has 100 percent confidence in his quarterback, but he has to figure out how to make plays while taking care of the football. Rudock ended up completing 18 of his 26 passing attempts for 180 yards, but he threw no touchdowns and an interception on the afternoon.

2. The Defense Is Making Big Leaps

Oregon State is a very solid offensive team and quarterback Seth Collins got off to a quick start. Despite the quick start, the Michigan defense was able to step up and play well throughout the entire game. They have taken a huge leap forward from last week and have the potential to continue playing at the level they showed today.

3. Jim Harbaugh is Still as Fierce of a Competitor as Ever

Michigan finally got their first look of Jim Harbaugh's passion this afternoon after a call that he didn't agree with. He got right in the face of the referee and made his displeasure very clear. That is one thing that made him such an entertaining coach in the NFL and it is one reason that all of his players love him for the passion that he has for the game.

4. De'Veon Smith is an Asolute Workhorse

One of the best performances of the day for the nation will be De'Veon Smith's game against Oregon State. He carried the football 23 times for 126 yards and three touchdowns. Without him, the Wolverines wouldn't have won this game and he made it very clear that he will be a workhorse for the Michigan offense throughout the remainder of the 2015 season.

5. Contention is Coming

Summing up what we learned about the Wolverines this afternoon, they are beginning to turn their football program around. It has been a rough recent history for a very proud program, but they have the leadership in place to get back to the top of the college football world. Harbaugh was a huge hire and the sky is the limit over the next few seasons for Michigan.