CFB: Michigan handles home opener, Ronnie Bell exits with injury

Jim Harbaugh’s team handled Western Michigan 47-14 in the home opener on Saturday, Sept. 4 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Cade McNamara found Blake Corum for a 14-yard score before connecting with Ronnie Bell for a 76-yard TD to put the Wolverines up 17-7 in the first half. Hassan Haskins and AJ Henning added second half TD runs to extend Michigan’s lead. Corum compiled a game-high 133 total yards and two touchdowns on 16 touches, while McNamara went 9/11 for 136 yards and 12.4 yards per attempt in his second career start. Daxton Hill was all over the field defensively, racking up a team-high six tackles and two pass deflections. Kaleb Eleby led the way for the Broncos with 191 passing yards. Michigan hosts #20 Washington next Saturday in a crucial game but the Wolverines will likely be without star receiver Bell following a lower leg injury.

Story was updated on Tuesday following Jim Harbaugh's press conference via Wolverines Wire: "Unfortunately Ronnie will be out for the season. He has a knee injury. It’s a shame. He had a phenomenal game. Along with Blake, making the big plays, carrying our offense early in the game. Got the big play on the long pass. Great contested catch and then finishing the run. Punt return in which he got injured, unfortunately, he was just having a great game. He’s gonna continue to lead from the sideline and be a big part of our team. Ronnie’s drive is so high that it would be a tough, grueling rehab, as all injuries are. But if anybody can do it, Ronnie will. From my own personal experience having a season-ending injury, the best way not to be left out is to help out. Leading from the sideline, being a captain."

Photo Credit: SB Nation.