The Michigan Wolverines overcame a slow start to eventually take down the Purdue Boilermakers, 21-16, behind running back Jordan Marshall’s career-best performance. He will earn a high grade for his stellar performance, but here are all the position group grades following the underwhelming win.
Quarterback: D+
Bryce Underwood just hasn’t been good in recent weeks. Following his worst showing of the season in the win at Michigan State, Underwood struggled mightily again against the Boilermakers. He has avoided turnovers
for most of his freshman year, but that wasn’t the case on Saturday as he threw an interception and recorded a costly fumble, with both occurring in the red zone.
Running backs: A
Jordan Marshall stepped in as the starter with Justice Haynes sidelined due to a foot injury, and he was excellent to say the least. He recorded a career-high 185 rushing yards to go with the first three-touchdown outing of his career. Michigan needed somebody to step up, and Marshall provided a silver lining in what was otherwise a poor performance from the offense.
Wide receivers: C-
It’s hard for the wide receivers to make a major impact when Underwood and the passing game continues to struggle so much. Andrew Marsh led the unit with four receptions on five targets, but he finished with just 25 yards. Meanwhile, Donaven McCulley (one catch for five yards) and Channing Goodwin (one catch for 12 yards) were the only other receivers to have a catch.
Tight ends: B+
The tight ends have been up-and-down this season, and in the win over Purdue, they were up. Michigan played four different tight ends, and three of them had at least one reception, highlighted by Zack Marshall going for a team-high 58 yards and three catches on four targets. Marlin Klein and Deakon Tonielli combined for three receptions and 20 yards as well.
Offensive line: B
The offensive line certainly wasn’t perfect — allowing two sacks and two quarterback hits —but they played well, paving the way for Marshall’s career night. Michigan averaged an impressive 6.5 yards per carry on 39 attempts as the offensive line continued to adjust to a new rotation. The rushing attack put the final touches on the win by running off the last six minutes of the game.
Defensive line: B+
Derrick Moore’s recent dominance — six sacks in three games — can’t be understated, as he’s been Michigan’s best player the last three weeks. He recorded two sacks and a forced fumble in the first quarter alone. Rayshaun Benny had a great game as well, recovering the fumble and coming up with a clutch tackle on fourth down. TJ Guy also had a sack.
Linebackers: B
With both Jimmy Rolder and Cole Sullivan out with injuries, Ernest Hausmann was forced to carry an even bigger load than usual. He was up for the task, though, racking up a team-high 11 tackles as well as one tackle for loss. Jaishawn Barham exited with an injury after the first drive, so Troy Bowles stepped into duty and finished with six tackles — the second-most on the team.
Secondary: B-
The secondary didn’t allow any big plays, and Purdue’s offense mustered only 138 passing yards and 6.9 yards per completion, However, a pair of costly penalties put the Boilermakers in scoring position, as Jyaire Hill and TJ Metcalf each committed a pass interference in the end zone, which led to touchdowns. Mason Curtis led the secondary with six tackles and one quarterback hit.
Special teams: D
To no one’s surprise, the special teams unit was an absolute mess again, and it’s hard not to think JB Brown’s job will be in serious jeopardy this offseason. Hudson Hollenbeck had another poor showing — recording a 37-yard punt on his first attempt and getting a punt blocked later on. Semaj Morgan also had -2 yards on one punt return as his horrid season continues.
