Michigan avenged its loss from last season by taking down Washington in the Big House on Saturday, 24-7. Plenty of players contributed to the win, but here are the five we believe stood out above the rest
and deserve to take home a game ball for their efforts.
QB Bryce Underwood
Although it wasn’t a big day for Michigan in the department of actually scoring points, it didn’t stop Bryce Underwood from turning in an efficient and clean outing. Although there were some drops from receivers, he finished the afternoon 21-of-27 for 230 yards and two touchdowns.
Saturday’s performance was an encouraging one for Underwood given how he struggled at times last week. He did what was asked of him by protecting the ball and taking the plays that were available to him. Furthermore, his chemistry with Andrew Marsh looks to be growing with each game, which carries weight not just this year, but for future seasons.
RB Jordan Marshall
Jordan Marshall was pressed into duty with Justice Haynes’ injury from the USC game still lingering. To this point, the backfield hasn’t been much of an even split, so Marshall came into the week fresh.
He didn’t disappoint, as Marshall led the way for the rushing attack with 25 carries for 133 yards and a score. He also made an impact in the passing game, serving as the safety valve for three receptions and 20 yards. Throughout the game, we saw many of the traits that make him a great player. He was making good reads at the line to get through the holes that were opened up for him, and he showed toughness by churning out yards after contact to extend several plays.
It remains to be seen how much longer Haynes will be on the shelf (or at least how long he’ll be limited), but Michigan should feel confident in its rushing attack with Marshall getting the brunt of the carries. He might not have the breakaway speed Haynes does, but he’s more than capable of moving the chains.
TEs Zack Marshall and Deakon Tonielli
The top two tight ends on Michigan’s depth chart — Marlin Klein and Hogan Hansen — have battled the injury bug this season and didn’t play against the Huskies. That opened the door for Zack Marshall and Deakon Tonielli to make an impact, and neither disappointed.
Marshall was the more productive of the two, hauling in five receptions for 72 yards and one touchdown. Tonielli showed his skills as well with three receptions for 38 yards. Interestingly enough, the tandem of Marshall and Tonielli put together the most productive day for Michigan’s tight end group all season, making it seem like either of them could be in line for more work down the stretch.
With the wide receiver drops still being an issue, it’ll be interesting to see if the staff tries to squeeze as much juice out of the tight end room as possible down the stretch.
LB Cole Sullivan
As the game got into the middle of the third quarter, things were starting to turn into something of a snooze-fest with neither offense able to move the ball consistently. So naturally, a member of the defense stepped up and made a big play, with Cole Sullivan jumping a Demond Williams pass deep in Washington territory. The interception set up a Jordan Marshall touchdown run just one play later, flipping the momentum fully in Michigan’s direction.
Sullivan has been a stabilizing force in the middle of the defense, which has been especially helpful with Ernest Hausmann and Jimmy Rolder having their own inconsistencies. Sullivan has also been showing a nose for the football, as his interception against the Huskies was his third of the year. Even though he’s young, Sullivan looks to be one of the best players on Michigan’s defense already and continues to come through in big moments.
