With a big carry of the football on Saturday, Blake Corum reminded everyone why he was a Heisman Trophy candidate last year. The Michigan senior running back showcased his explosive speed and agility as he burst through the line of scrimmage, leaving the Bowling Green defense in his wake. Corum effortlessly navigated past defenders, covering an impressive 54 yards before finally being tackled out of bounds along the far sideline.
This run marked Corum's longest of the season and only his second carry of 20-plus yards. It was a big moment for the talented running back, who had spent the offseason rehabbing a torn meniscus in his left knee. “I definitely needed that just from a mental aspect,” Corum, who rushed for 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns last season despite missing more than three full games, said. “The previous weeks, sometimes I just felt like I wasn’t where I needed to be in terms of cutting and getting the idea that my knee was OK out of my head.”
Corum's exhilarating 54-yard run set the tone for the game, leading to a four-yard touchdown run by Corum himself. Throughout the game, he carried the ball 12 times, racking up a season-high 101 yards at an impressive average of 8.4 yards per run. “I worked really hard in practice last week, just to get that (idea) out of my head,” Corum said. “When I made that first cut on the safety, I’m like, ‘OK, we’re almost there.’ We have a couple things we have to do to get to where I want to be, and be as electric as I was last year, but that one right there gave me a sense of confidence."
Corum's exceptional performance was foreshadowed by his outstanding week of practice. The decision to limit Corum's contact during the summer and preseason camp was a cautious move by the coaching staff. However, it resulted in a slow start for the running game during the initial weeks of the season.
Looking ahead, Corum is eager to continue his momentum as Michigan prepares to face Rutgers in their first Big Ten game. With three new full-time starters, including two transfers, the team has experienced a feeling-out process in the early part of the season. Nevertheless, both the offensive line and Corum are optimistic that they are beginning to find their rhythm.
As Corum reflects on his performance, he acknowledges that there is still room for improvement. However, he is satisfied with his progress and excited for the challenges that lie ahead. With his explosive speed and undeniable talent, Blake Corum is ready to make his mark in the Big Ten and solidify his status as one of the top running backs in college football.
