The Michigan Wolverines fought off a slow start and eventually cruised to a 24-10 win over the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday at the Big House. Here are grades for each position group as Michigan welcomed
a season-best performance from the wide receiving corps.
Quarterbacks: B+
Bryce Underwood didn’t get off to a quick start, but he really found a rhythm in the third quarter and it resulted in a career-best 270 passing yards and one touchdown. There is still plenty of room for improvement when it comes to accuracy, but Underwood recorded five plays of 20+ yards — you can’t ask for much more than that.
Running backs: A-
Justice Haynes continued his historic start to the season, extending his school-record with a fifth straight game of 100+ yards. On the opening drive of the game, Haynes set the tone against the nation’s top rush defense with a 43-yard run and he never looked back — racking up 117 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Jordan Marshall added 44 yards on nine attempts.
Wide receivers: A-
The wide receiving corps was highly-criticized during the bye week, and they responded with the best performance of the season. Donaven McCulley posted a season-high 112 yards and one touchdown on six catches, including a toe-tapping grab along the sideline and a 29-yard touchdown. In an expanded role, true freshman Andrew Marsh put up 80 yards on four catches.
Tight ends: C+
The tight ends continue to be perplexing because they are such an important part of the running game, but they haven’t made much of an impact in the passing game lately. Max Bredeson’s block helped spring Haynes’ 43-yard run, but he had a critical drop and a holding call in the game. Marlin Klein and Zack Marshall combined for two receptions and 21 yards.
Offensive line: B
The offensive line followed up a season-best performance at Nebraska with an inconsistent showing against Wisconsin. Andrew Sprague held his own, but he was uncharacteristically beaten on a few plays. There’s no doubt the unit is much better than a month ago, but the linemen still need to refine their technique for the team to reach its full potential.
Defensive line: B+
Speaking of uncharacteristic, the defensive line was absolutely pushed around by Wisconsin’s offensive line on the opening drive. Things returned to form after that, though, as Michigan settled in and dominated the line of scrimmage. Derrick Moore finished with five tackles and one sack, while Rayshaun Benny and Trey Pierce helped shut down the Badgers’ inside ground game.
Linebackers: A-
There seems to be a different linebacker that stands out on a weekly basis, and it was Jimmy Rolder this week. He totaled a team-high seven tackles to go along with one quarterback pressure. Ernest Hausmann recorded a pass break up and a quarterback pressure on back-to-back plays as well.
Secondary: B+
Rod Moore appeared in his first game at Michigan Stadium in nearly two years after missing all of last season with a knee injury, and he took full advantage by recording his seventh career interception in what he called “a full circle moment.” His return raises the potential of the entire secondary, as Zeke Berry, Jyaire Hill and TJ Metcalf played at a high level as well.
Special teams: C
The special teams unit has been all over the place this year, and that was no different against Wisconsin. Hudson Hollenbeck had a poor punt on his first attempt, but he answered with three straight quality punts, including a season-high 57-yarder. Dominic Zvada connected on a 40-yard field goal before missing a chip-shot 27-yarder.
