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Report Card: Grading Michigan in a 28-18 win over Arkansas State

Chris Balasby:Chris Balas•09/14/24•

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Michigan Wolverines running back Kalel Mullings (20) celebrates with offensive lineman Evan Link (71) ... Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Michigan Wolverines running back Kalel Mullings (20) celebrates with offensive lineman Evan Link (71) ... Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Grading Michigan football in all facets of a 28-18 win over Arkansas State. The U-M offense got the run game going, but 3 interceptions and some disappointing defense from the backups left a bad taste after the win. The grades:

RELATED: Michigan 28, Arkansas St. 18: Notes, quotes, and observations — the QB conundrum

Michigan rushing offense: A

Kalel Mullings did what we expected him to do and then some Saturday, breaking tackles and ripping off a couple big runs of 30 and 38 yards. He needs to be the bellcow against the better teams on the schedule after rushing for 153 yards and averaging 10.2 yards per carry. Donovan Edwards ran hard on his way to 82 yards, Alex Orji averaged 9 yards per carry, and even Ben Hall carried for 20 yards, 6.7 per rush. This was a much-needed breakout game for the runners.

Passing offense: D–

Quarterback Davis Warren made some good throws, completing 11 for 122 yards. Unfortunately, they were more than offset by 3 interceptions that allowed Arkansas State to stay in the game. Two of them were “aided” by protection issues, but Warren needs to take better care of the ball. Period. It was good seeing Michigan tight end Marlin Klein (43 yards) and receiver Fred Moore (38) more involved in the offense.

Michigan rushing defense: A

We didn’t expect Arkansas State to have any success on the ground, and they didn’t. They were at minus-6 yards rushing at halftime and 12 yards through three quarters when the game was still somewhat in doubt. The Wolverines allowed only one run over three yards in the first three quarters, and that was a 10-yard quarterback scramble on third-and-20 in the third.

Passing defense: C+

This was much better before the fourth quarter, when the Red Wolves notched 85 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air against the Michigan reserves. At the same time, those guys need to play, too. Starter Jaylen Raynor was 19-of-33 passing for 140 yards and a pick but made some throws in the first three quarters. He started 6-for-6 and picked up three third-and-longs on the first drive.

Michigan special teams: C

Kicker Dominic Zvada made all four of his extra point attempts, Tommy Doman boomed his kickoffs through the end zone, and Semaj Morgan did a good job fair-catching punts. There wasn’t much to speak about this game, though Doman once again struggled to get the ball to turn over in the air. He averaged only 39 yards on his punts and had another shorty (29 yards).

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