Methodical Michigan continues march toward showdown with Ohio State with win over

Regardless of the method, Michigan continues to take care of business.

A cold, snowy day at Michigan Stadium kept the Wolverines on the ground a bit more. But Blake Corum and company did their thing, grinding out an easy 34-3 win over Nebraska.

Corum was the workhorse under less than ideal conditions. Grinding out yards after contact and first downs. The Wolverines put on a clinic with offensive line play. Corum’s ability to get yards after contact continued to be a huge asset for the Michigan offense.

Corum certainly didn’t hurt his case for being included in the Heisman discussion Saturday, rushing for over 150 yards and a TD. His performance the next 2 weeks against a pair of stout defenses will go a long way in determining whether he gets an invite to New York.

Quarterback JJ McCarthy turned in another efficient outing, throwing for a score and rushing for another.

Nebraska (3-7, 2-5), in the midst of a miserable year, saw more bad things happen Saturday. Starting QB Chubba Purdy left in the 1st half after sliding awkwardly and injuring his leg. Logan Smothers took over.

To add insult to injury, offensive coordinator Mark Whipple took a shot on the sideline on the kickoff following Nebraska’s 1st half field goal. Whipple was clearly shaken up and was taken to the locker room at half on a cart for further evaluation.

Interim head coach Mickey Joseph took over play calling duties in the 2nd half. But it didn’t matter as the Michigan defense was flying all over the field. Turning the Huskers away on all occasions.

Marching toward Columbus

At this point it’s almost a foregone conclusion. We are headed on a collision course for Nov. 26 at the Horseshoe in Columbus. There will be plenty at stake. A trip to Indy, a bid to the College Football Playoff, bragging rights. You name it.

Both teams won their virtual scrimmages Saturday. One more week of competition against inferior opponents awaits. Then? Let the buildup begin. These 2 have been the Big Ten’s best team’s all year. Head and shoulders above the rest.

It’s been a titanic collision course all year between Michigan and Ohio State. Saturday’s results were snoozefests. One more week of formalities to get to The Game. 

And from the eye test, what a game it should be.

Up next for Nebraska

The Huskers, who fell out of bowl contention with the loss, return to Lincoln for their final home game of the season next week against Wisconsin.

Mickey Joseph deserves credit for keeping things moving forward. Nebraska continues to play hard and compete for 4 quarters despite being outmatched each week.

Up next for Michigan

The Wolverines (10-0, 7-0) have just 1 test remaining before the season-finale showdown in Columbus. Michigan hosts a reeling Illinois next week in its final home game of the season.

They can’t afford to look ahead as the Illini boast one of the nation’s top defenses and leading rusher Chase Brown. But the way Harbaugh has his guys focused and taking things week-by-week, don’t expect a letdown from the guys in maize and blue.