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Michigan vs. Michigan State: Game balls from a Wolverine win

Anthony Broomeby:Anthony Broome•10/26/24•

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NCAA Football: Michigan State at Michigan
Oct 26, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Josaiah Stewart (0) celebrates with the Paul Bunyan Trophy after defeating the Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The Michigan Wolverines moved to 5-3 (3-2 Big Ten) with a 24-17 win over Michigan State on Saturday night in Ann Arbor, their third straight win in the rivalry. U-M needed this one in the worst way and had no shortage of standout performances in the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy.

The Wolverine’s panel of contributors – Chris Balas, Anthony Broome and Clayton Sayfie – weigh in with their game ball picks from the Week 9 showdown.

Here is what they came up with this week.

Chris Balas: Senior quarterback Davis Warren

Michigan went back to Davis Warren at quarterback this week after needing to re-evaluate coming off a pair of losses. We have said all year that it would be amazing to see what this team could be if the quarterbacks could take care of the football. For the first time this year, Warren did and managed a clean game, going 13-for-19 for 123 yards and a touchdown. It was not perfect, but Michigan just needed some stability, and it got it when it needed it, even if some of its chunk plays came via emptying out the bag of tricks. Warren will be the guy moving forward, it appears, and the win over the Spartans was a good reset for him.

Clayton Sayfie: Junior tight end Colston Loveland

Michigan’s passing game has been underwhelming, to say the least, but Colston Loveland has been a constant week in and week out when he has been healthy. He paced the team on Saturday night with 6 catches for 67 yards and a pair of touchdowns, along with a key two-point conversion late in the game to extend the lead to 24-10. That guaranteed the Spartans would have to either kick an extra point to tie or go for two and the win if it had the opportunity. Even in a down season for the Wolverines, Loveland has put a lot of great stuff on film.

Anthony Broome: Edge duo Josaiah Stewart and Derrick Moore

Michigan’s defensive line damn near won the game on its own, and the PFF grades should be kind to both of its starting edge rushers. Josaiah Stewart had a sack and a forced fumble in the game, while Derrick Moore continued his strong play and had a sack of his own. Another special shoutout is in order for defensive tackle Kenneth Grant for recovering a fumble and falling down on it. He learned his lesson from the USC game!

Michigan honorable mentions

• Junior QB Alex Orji – 6 carries, 64 yards, TD
• Senior RB Donovan Edwards – 9 carries, 24 yards, 1-for-1, 23-yard passing touchdown
• Sophomore WR Semaj Morgan – 3 receptions for 12 yards, including a big one on third down, and a wildcat rush for 7 yards
• Sophomore EDGE Cam Brandt – Sack
• Linebackers Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham – 20 combined total tackles

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