The promise from Michigan players and coaches was that they would get better every week. Well, Saturday’s 56-10 win over Nebraska might be hard to top.

They were that perfect.

And they sent a message. Several of them, actually.

The Wolverines completely dominated at the Big House with a suffocating defense that never let up and an offense that simply did whatever it wanted to do all day. It was 39-0 at halftime and, I dare say, felt like an even bigger rout than that. Nebraska provided absolutely zero resistance all day.

On Friday, I mentioned that there were five things I really wanted to see from Michigan this weekend, and the Wolverines checked every box. Here’s all the good they did with those five things:

  • A faster start from the offense: How’s three touchdowns on the first three possession to jump out to a very quick 20-o lead? They were great on offense, and it was comforting to see the oft-maligned offensive line open gaping holes in the running game.
  • Defensive line makes Martinez feel uncomfortable: Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez, a true freshman playing in his first college road game, never had a chance. Michigan’s pressure was stifling against an offensive line that was completely overmatched.
  • Patterson continues to evolve: Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson continues to prove that the Wolverines are in good hands. His numbers weren’t outrageous in the blowout, but they didn’t need to be. His guidance and cool rubs off on his teammates.
  • Running backs make a difference: Karan Higdon missed last week’s game, but he was certainly ready Saturday. He caught a pass for 7 yards on Michigan’s first play, then ran for 46 on the second play. Michigan’s second drive was one play, a Higdon run for 44 yards and a touchdown. He finished with 136 yards on just 12 carries.
  • Young stars continue to shine: It was the veterans who controlled things early, but since 78 players saw action in the rout, several youngsters looks great. The best moment was sophomore QB Dylan McCaffrey hitting freshman Ronnie Bell for a 56-yard score. It was Bell’s first-ever college catch, one that he’ll never forget.

This was just what Michigan needed, really. It’s more validation that they really are getting better and better every week. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh likes to say that this team loves to practice and that it’s carrying over to Saturdays. I believe it, because I’m seeing it.

The offensive line had a great game, its best of the season, he said. Harbaugh said they “really protected the ball well and protected the passer extremely well. They’re improving from spring ball through training camp.”

And what a performance from Michigan’s exceptional defense. They got ripped the first week for letting Notre Dame score touchdowns on each of its first two possessions, but they’ve been outstanding since then, really. They raised their grades for the season on Saturday, for sure. Nebraska had just 93 yards passing on 22 attempts, and only 39 yards rushing on 30 carries. That is complete and total domination.

We talked last week about how the next four teams on Michigan’s schedule — Nebraska, Northwestern, Maryland and Wisconsin — were underachieving after all four lost at home last week as big favorites. So what that means is that we might see more of the same the next two weeks and that the Oct. 13 home game with Wisconsin should be great.

What we know now about Michigan is more than what we knew a few weeks ago. They’re looking good, and they’re getting better.

And when the schedule gets super tough, can they win when they have to? It’s a little bit easier to say yes right now.