Jake Rudock To Lead Michigan Against Top Scoring Defense In Country
By Ashley Scoby
@AshleyScoby
Michigan quarterback Jake Rudock didn't exactly get off to the best start this season. In the Wolverines' first game against Utah, he threw three interceptions and his team lost, 24-17. But since that first game, Rudock has thrown only three other picks over the last four weeks.
This weekend, Michigan will take on the best scoring defense in the country in Northwestern (allowing seven points per game through the fifth week of the season). The Wildcats' passing defense is also seventh in the nation, after allowing 130 yards per game through the air.
But even with that top defense coming to Ann Arbor, head coach Jim Harbaugh is firmly in his quarterback's corner. Rudock has gotten better every week, according to Harbaugh, and has been able to use his mental fortitude to get past those early-season picks.
"He has full command of the system," Harbaugh said. "He's such a smart guy. That now is honed. He's got the knowledge and the confidence. Game day, he doesn't ever get flustered. There's nothing that could happen or be said to him that ever gets him flustered or where he doesn't have a tight grip of his mind. It's been so impressive."
And on the offensive side of the ball for Northwestern is another quarterback that Harbaugh has found impressive. Clayton Thorson, a redshirt freshman, has completed 56.6 percent of his passes this season for 711 yards, four touchdowns and three inteceptions.
"He's a very good player, and that's an offense that really knows where they're going," Harbaugh said. "They've been in the system for quite a while now. Clayton's an outstanding player, heck of a runner, very good, accurate thrower, doesn't make mistakes. … They have a lot of talent and know exactly what they're doing."
