WATCH: Michigan Football Midseason Report

In spite of a perfect 6-0 start to the 2023 campaign, the Wolverines remain focused on taking things one week at a time.

The No. 2 Michigan Wolverines are beginning to receive plenty of love both locally and nationally for their performance over the first half of the season. An efficient offense, a dominant defense, and a team that makes the fewest mistakes in the country are all compelling reasons for why many believe that the Wolverines are headed for their third-straight Big Ten championship. 

In spite of that early seasons success, the Wolverines remain committed to taking things one day at a time, and maximizing each opportunity on Saturday's.

We're doing everything we can to maximize each opportunity and make every day count. #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/muIsvs0Bs2

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) October 12, 2023

"We're proud of the things we were able to accomplish," said veteran defensive lineman Kris Jenkins. "Coach always says we've got to make 12 days count, and we've made six of them count so far. We've just got to finish strong, we've got the other six. We've got to finish strong, make those count, keep doing what we're doing. Take every opponent seriously, give them respect, so we can do what we do best on Saturdays. 

Given the schedule, it would be easy for the Wolverines to fall into the trap of looking ahead. Most folks are aware that the first true test for Michigan won't occur until week 10 when the Wolverines travel to Happy Valley, yet Michigan continues to remain focused on the task at hand - a hallmark of a veteran, mature football team. 

"I think we do a really good job not looking too far ahead, not looking in the past," said sophomore tight end Colston Loveland. "What's in the past is in the past. We've got to focus on what we're doing today, what we're doing this play. That's something that the coaching has done a really good job honing in on us."

Combined with the talent and experience, it's that 'one day at a time" approach that keeps Michigan focused on the present moment, even if it means facing a lesser opponent. The Wolverines are well aware of what the ultimate goal is in 2023, and a lack of focus - even against an overmatched opponent - could cost them that opportunity. 

"We know what we have to do to get there," said defensive lineman Cam Goode. "Now we're trying to go that extra mile and see what we have to do to finish. So coach (Ben) Herbert is on us every workout Monday and Wednesday, letting us know, 'hey, we're getting there, but don't get comfortable.'"

Michigan has achieved a high-level of success over the last two seasons, beating Ohio State in back-to-back games, winning two consecutive Big Ten championships, and making two straight appearances in the College Football Playoff. The standard for the program has been raised dramatically, and the Wolverines seem fully intent on building off of the momentum that was created in 2021 and 2022. 

"Each week we want to improve from the last game," said linebacker Junior Colson. "Doesn't matter how great we played. Every day we come out here and want to improve, want to get better, and I think that's what's going to take us in the long run. In October and November, while other teams are staying the same, each week we're trying to get better. We're competing against each other, we're pushing each other, we're expecting the best out of each other."