Michigan's Wilton Speight threw a pass into the turf that didn't really look like a pass at all.
On the next play, Speight fired a draft across the middle to Grant Perry for a 28-yard gain that set up the go-ahead touchdown. No. 11 Michigan never trailed again in a 33-17 victory against No. 17 Florida on Saturday at AT&T Stadium.
MORE: Highlights from Michigan-Florida
Speight's day, however, was anything but easy. Speight was benched for two series in the first half after serving up back-to-back pick sixes that gave Florida a 17-10 lead, but he came back after halftime and didn't make the same near-fatal mistake again. Speight finished 11 of 25 passing for 181 yards, but the Wolverines dominated a short-handed Gators team for a big nonconference victory.
Sound familiar? It's not all that different than last season. Michigan needs the calm, collected, cool — and most importantly, controlled — Speight to evolve if it wants to take that long-awaited next step in the Big Ten conference under third-year coach Jim Harbaugh.
The Wolverines appear to have everything else in place again. The defense — especially the front seven — somehow looks better under defensive coordinator Don Brown. Florida managed 11 yards on the ground with 27 carries, and couldn't find a rhythm behind quarterbacks Feleipe Franks and Malik Zaire, who combined to go 14 of 26 for 181 yards. The Gators were short their top running back and receiver, but it was a better-than-expected performance by Michigan's defensive backs.
Perhaps even better, the running game clicked with the two-back system of Ty Isaac (11 carries, 114 yards) and Chris Evans (22 carries, 78 yards). Michigan ran the ball effectively in a big game. Enough said. Even the special teams added a bonus Quinn Nordin, who drilled four field goals, including a pair from 50-plus yards.
Everything is there, much like it was in 2016 when the Wolverines lost three of their last four games. That might come as a surprise, given what Michigan lost to the NFL Draft, but the Wolverines have depth on the defensive line and a returning starter at quarterback. That's always a good start.
MORE: Michigan 33, Florida 17: Inside the game
Speight doesn't have to be a robotic game manager, but he can't fall into that trap again. That whirlwind started in the first half after he hit Tarik Black for a 46-yard touchdown. Speight sprinted down the field screaming, just like he did when Michigan scored just before halftime against Ohio State in the The Game last season. Speight played hurt that day and played well, but two interceptions helped tilted that game back in the Buckeyes' favor.
That was the difference in the Big Ten East.
A similar scenario unfolded for Speight in the second quarter against Florida. Speight threw the back-to-back pick-sixes, one that tipped off a receiver and the other a fastball that sailed high. He was cooled off on the bench in favor of John O'Korn until shortly before halftime.
Speight returned, hit 5 of 7 passes for 52 yards on the Wolverines' opening drive of the second half, and the Gators spent the second half trying to find their quarterback. Whatever adjustments were made at halftime worked.
That's good news, but Michigan missed chances to blow the game open. How Speight continues to develop with passing game coordinator Pep Hamilton and a cast of young receivers will be the key for the Wolverines the rest of the way.
There's no doubt this team is good enough to win the Big Ten championship. Michigan answered a lot of questions with this victory. Yes, they are that good. No, Harbaugh won't let this team fade out of the playoff picture.
Anything else?
Speight will have to answer those questions as the season goes on.
