The Michigan Wolverines scored a late go-ahead touchdown to outlast the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 28-21, on Saturday afternoon. Following a narrow win to move to 5-3 overall and 2-3 in Big Ten play, here are five players that deserve to receive a game ball.
QB Tommy Carr
Carr put on a show in his second career start, recording a career-best 320 total yards and three touchdowns, including a go-ahead rushing touchdown with 4:24 left. He went 22-for-27 for 266 passing yards and one touchdown, to go with 54 rushing yards and two
touchdowns. It was a spectacular showing from the freshman.
DE Benny Patterson III
Patterson earned the start for a second straight week and continued to make the most of his opportunity, finishing with a career-high and team-leading seven tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss. The sophomore defensive end took over for a series in the first half, posting a sack and tackle for loss on back-to-back plays, showing why he’s considered a rising star on the defensive side.
WR JJ Buchanan
Buchanan continues to be the most consistent skill player for Michigan, racking up six catches for 63 yards and one touchdown. The former Utah transfer hit the ground running in his first season with the Wolverines, and he has not slown down, grabbing a six-yard touchdown in the first quarter to give Michigan a 7-0 lead. He also eventually exceeded the 1,000-yard mark for his career.
S Chris Bracy
Bracy feels like he deserves a game ball every single week, and that was the case yet again against Rutgers. He racked up six tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and one quarterback pressure in the win. Bracy has been a revelation this year and continues to make a strong case for All-Big Ten recognition after totaling 32 tackles in the last four games.
WR Andrew Marsh
Marsh might not have found the end zone like Buchanan did, but there’s no doubt he made a significant impact in this game. Marsh racked up a team-high eight catches, his second-most receptions in a game this season, and 66 yards. Just like his counterpart Buchanan, Marsh surpassed the 1,000-yard plateau for his career.
