The Michigan Wolverines bounced back with a much-needed, 21-18 win over the Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday. Here are six players that deserve a game ball as Michigan beat Penn State to secure its first win in Big Ten play this year.
Chris Bracy (DB)
Bracy had his fingerprints all over the comeback win, forcing two turnovers as Michigan flipped the script after a putrid first half. The Memphis transfer snatched his first interception in a Michigan uniform and forced a fumble that led to a game-sealing
score. Bracy finished with eight tackles, one sack, one interception, one forced fumble and one pass deflection in the victory.
Tommy Carr (QB)
Carr completely changed the energy on the team and in the stadium when he came in to start the second half. He instantly provided the spark that Michigan was desperately searching for. The Michigan quarterback was calm, cool and collected in his first Big Ten game as he led three scoring drives and found the end zone for a game-clinching 12-yard touchdown run.
Rod Moore (DB)
Moore has been through it all at Michigan and he was hoping to make a significant impact in his final season with the program. Well, the Michigan safety did just that against Penn State with a game-changing interception to steal momentum and set up a go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter. Moore had three tackles and now has eight interceptions in his illustrious career.
Jordan Marshall (RB)
Marshall got off to a slow start in the first half, but like most of the offense, he looked like a different player in the second half. The Michigan running back compiled 49 rushing yards and one touchdown on 11 carries and even though his statistics don’t exactly jump off the page, Marshall’s presence was felt as he punched in a 1-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 14-3.
Enow Etta (DL)
Etta has been unheralded for much of his career, but he put together a great performance in the comeback win over Penn State. The Michigan defensive tackle singlehandily took over a drive in the second quarter with a sack and a quarterback pressure, before recovering a fumble in the fourth quarter. Etta amassed three tackles, one fumble recovery and one tackle for loss.
Bryson Kuzdzal (RB)
Kuzdzal burst onto the scene towards the end of last season due to an injury-riddle running back room, and he was waiting for a chance to get into the action this season. When called upon, the Michigan running back took advantage of the opportunity with a career-long 43-yard touchdown sprint to go up 7-3 in the third quarter and the Wolverines never relinquished the lead.
