Free Press sports writer Nick Baumgardner rates the Wolverines on a scale of 1-10 after their 42-21 win over Maryland:

Offense

7

Michigan's offense left points on the field in the first quarter with a botched fourth-and-short call and had to settle for a field goal. But after that, things were pretty simple for Jim Harbaugh's offense. Shea Patterson threw for 282 yards, the most he's had so far at Michigan. The 294 pass yards — Grand Perry completed a 12-yard pass — was also a season-high for the Wolverines. Karan Higdon had his third straight 100-yard game, his fourth overall this season. Zach Gentry got open and made some nice plays.

Overall, this was a pretty solid day for Michigan offensively.

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Grade Michigan's performance vs. Maryland yourself!

Defense

7

Maryland's two touchdown drives near the end of the game will disappoint defensive coordinator Don Brown, but late in the third quarter, Maryland had mustered just 47 yards and was down 20 points late. The Terps had less than 2.5 yards per play in the first half and finished with just 220 total yards. The Wolverines held Maryland to just 73 passing yards as Michigan forced six punts and returned an interception for a touchdown.

The late fourth-quarter touchdown drives will be something for the Wolverines to work on.

Special teams

6

MAryland's 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown saw Ty Johnson go nearly untouched as he ran through a massive hole and barely held off a hustling Ambry Thomas at the end of the play. That's a pretty big ding, but otherwise, an efficient day from Quinn Nordin (2-for-2). Will Hart punted once for 45 yards. The kickoff return gash was a problem, but that's about it.

Coaching

7

The Wolverines were more physical at the line of scrimmage throughout and did a nice job of taking what Maryland gave it through the air. The run game worked when it needed to, Michigan put together a few new wrinkles offensively and had more than 450 yards of total offense. Despite playing without Rashan Gary, Michigan kept Maryland under wraps until the fourth quarter.

That's five straight wins. Now Michigan gets to test itself against an upcoming stretch of home vs. Wisconsin (at home), Michigan State (in East Lansing) and Penn State (at home).

Contact Nick Baumgardner: nbaumgardn@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickBaumgardner.