Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh supported his starting quarterback Monday in Ann Arbor.
All things considered, Jim Harbaugh had a lot to smile about after Michigan’s performance in Texas on Saturday.
And while the defense and several younger players offered bright spots, Michigan’s coach admitted his offense didn’t « throw a perfect game » during a 33-17 win over Florida .
Michigan starting quarterback Wilton Speight missed some open targets down the field and threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns. Harbaugh removed Speight from the game midway through the second quarter in favor of fifth-year senior John O’Korn for two series.
Still, Harbaugh didn’t hesitate Monday afternoon in Ann Arbor: Speight still is Michigan’s starter.
« Wilton’s going to be the starter, » said Harbaugh, whose team will open its home schedule Saturday against Cincinnati (noon, ABC) . « We believe in John and John will used again (down the road) . »
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Speight was 11 of 25 passing for 181 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
He connected on a 46-yard touchdown to freshman receiver Tarik Black early in the game. But the interceptions, and previous misfires to open receivers, forced Harbaugh to remove to make a change.
From there, he and quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton challenged Speight at halftime. They wanted to see if he could gather himself and respond.
And while it wasn’t perfect, Harbaugh believes his quarterback accomplished that.
« There were a lot of good things and there were things to coach and improve, » he said. « If you can’t handle that type of situation when something goes bad, it’s the wrong position to play. I thought he did that well, because sometimes it breaks a guy. Sometimes they bounce back, sometimes they can’t.
« He can. If you’re (unable to execute) or unwilling to take chances or risks, that’s a sign you can’t handle it. He kept firing, though. It’s like a golfer who hits one in the water, then takes another out of his pocket, drops it and shoots for the flag. I thought he showed that. »
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Harbaugh admitted the passing game is an area the staff will focus on this week as they prepare for Cincinnati.
He also said he’s going to demand the offense work on tackling, in case a turnover happens again — both Florida interceptions were brought back untouched.
« If we throw an interception … the receivers, the tight ends, the backs, the skill players, the quarterback, the line — somebody has to go make that tackle. We were atrocious (with that) , » he said. « Just standing there watching. That starts with me and the coaches.
« But that’ll get addressed. I’m champing at the bit to go address that. »
As for Speight’s accuracy, Harbaugh said repeatedly since Saturday that he’s confident in his quarterback’s ability to make throws down the field and make better decisions.
Now, Speight has to go prove him right.
« I want this to be a season of increases, » Harbaugh added. « For our football team. Our offense, our defense and our special teams. We’re focused on that.
« There are things you can’t wait to go coach and address. »
Contact Nick Baumgardner: nbaumgardn@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickBaumgardner. Download our Wolverines Xtra app for free on Apple and Android devices!
