Michigan vs. Oregon game balls: Naming a few standout performances
The Michigan Wolverines fell 38-17 to the No. 1 Oregon Ducks on Saturday afternoon in Ann Arbor with no shortage of standout showings, even in a losing effort to the best team in college football.
TheWolverine.com’s panel of Chris Balas, Clayton Sayfie and Anthony Broome hand out their game balls from the showing at the Big House.
Chris Balas: Michigan QB Davis Warren
Quarterback play had been one of this team’s biggest issues all season long, but it has not been the last two games with Davis Warren under center. It’s still not perfect, but for the second week in a row he played a clean game and protected the football while making some tough throws. He finished the day 12-for-21 for 164 yards and two touchdowns and showed put a stamp on the idea that he is the best quarterback to lead this team moving forward.
He shouldered the blame for the loss in the postgame press conference, but the film will show otherwise. Warren gave this team its best chance to win on Saturday, which is all Michigan could ask for.
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Clayton Sayfie: Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel
Oregon went out last offseason and got its transfer quarterback, and he has rewarded the program greatly for it in its 9-0 start to the season. Dillon Gabriel went 22-for-34 for 294 yards and a touchdown through the air while adding a 23-yard score on the ground. Michigan was down two of its starting cornerbacks in Will Johnson and Jyaire Hill, and the Oregon passing offense took advantage of it. Gabriel is now up to 2.665 yards with 19 touchdowns and 5 interceptions this season.
Anthony Broome: Michigan TE Colston Loveland
Michigan’s offense will not lend itself to a ton of individual accolades for its players, but Colston Loveland has as convincing a case as anyone for the Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end. After 7 catches for 112 yards and is up to 49 catches for 523 yards and 4 touchdowns. Saturday’s game was his first 100-plus yard performance of his career and he has led the team in receiving each of the games he has played this year.
Michigan honorable mentions
• Senior RB Donovan Edwards – 10 carries for 52 yards
• Junior WR Tyler Morris – 3 catches for 38 yards and a touchdown
• Senior WR Joe Taylor – Kick return for 29 yards, fumble forced on Oregon punt
