Report Card: Grading Michigan in a 27-24 win over Minnesota
Grading Michigan football in all facets of a 27-24 win over Minnesota. There was a lot good and a lot bad in every facet … the good barely won Saturday. The grades:
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Michigan rushing offense: B
There was some good variety here early, including the way they used Donovan Edwards, spitting him out and then motioning him back behind the quarterback. But Kalel Mullings was the bell cow, getting his first start, and he was very good again. His 24 carries for 111 yards led the team and included a 27-yard touchdown.
We’re not sure at this point what they’re trying to do with junior quarterback Alex Orji. He can move a bit, but it’s the kind of “move” you’d like to get from a pass-first quarterback who has some escapability. He carried 9 times for 12 yards, and that was with a 15-yard scramble.
Passing offense: D-
Orji completed a few passes this week, 10-of-18 for 86 yards (we predicted 82 in this week’s chat), but his interception changed the game. The first down throw should have been a touchdown; instead, he was late over the middle and got picked. He had Edwards open for a score, too.
There were some good throws to Kendrick Bell and Colston Loveland that indicated a bit of progress, but several others not in the vicinity. The passing game averaged 4.8 yards per attempt.
Michigan rushing defense: A
Another game, another team that can’t do anything on the ground. Talented back Darius Taylor managed only 36 yards on 13 carries with a long of only 6. Seven of his carries went for 4 yards or more, though.
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Overall, with sack yardage included, the Golden Gophers managed only 1.5 yards per carry and had 38 yards.
Passing defense: C
For a half, the Wolverines played very well. Sophomore Jyaire Hill was great again, notching an interception and 1.5 tackles for loss, and was always around the ball. But the Michigan secondary got torched in the fourth quarter and allowed Max Brosmer to complete 27 of 40 for 258 yards and a touchdown. They were playing without their best corner in Will Johnson and best pass rusher in Josaiah Stewart, however.
Michigan special teams: C
Kicker Dominic Zvada’s big, 53-yard field goal was his latest impressive kick. The Wolverines also blocked a punt that led to a touchdown, a huge play in the game.
On the flip side, a 60-yard punt return from Koi Perich set up a touchdown — that can’t happen — and the Wolverines were fortunate on an offsides call during an onside kick Minnesota recovered.
