Michigan Football: Can’t blame Maurice Hurst if he skips Outback Bowl

Maurice Hurst might not play in the Outback Bowl for Michigan football, but with everything at stake for him, you can see why.

Michigan football defensive lineman Maurice Hurst has a bright future ahead of him. After a dominant season for the Wolverines, he is most certainly going to be a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft.

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Even before the 2017 season started, Hurst was viewed by many as a first-round pick. The defensive lineman started for Michigan football as a junior and senior, while also playing key snaps as a sophomore.

The defensive tackle was not only named First-Team All-Big Ten, but earned All-American honors too, following a season that saw him register 13.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He finished his Michigan career with 32 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. He also had 129 tackles and two passes defensed.

Hurst has elevated himself in potentially a top-10 pick. He should at least go in the top 20 and that’s why it wasn’t shocking to hear he might not play in the Outback Bowl. Here is what Hurst had to say about it according to the Detroit Free Press. 

“I’m not really sure right now,” Hurst said. “I’m practicing (but) I haven’t (made a decision). (I’ll) speak with my family, talk to (former Michigan players) Jake (Butt), Chris (Wormley) and a few other guys who have had a similar decision. (I’ll talk) with coach (Jim) Harbaugh. Just trying to use all my resources to make sure that I make the best decision for myself and my family.”

After some injuries to key players in bowl games the past few years, more and more individuals are deciding to sit out. It’s hard to get past for fans, but for players, it absolutely makes sense.

Michigan Wolverines Football

Obviously, Michigan football fans would love to see Hurst on the field one more time. But it’s hard to be mad at him for not playing in the Outback Bowl. It’s not like the Wolverines are playing for a Big Ten Championship or a major game like the Orange Bowl or the College Football Playoff.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case for the Wolverines. They are stuck playing South Carolina in a battle of 8-4 teams. It’s certainly important for Michigan to win the game. The program needs momentum and a ninth win would be huge. Especially considering UM hasn’t won nine games in three straight years since 2002-04.

However, none of that really matters to Hurst. The senior has played his ass off for Michigan football. There is no question about that. He was probably the best player on the team this season and he’s earned the right to make that choice.

Hurst will obviously be missed, but it could give Michigan football an extended look at freshman Aubrey Solomon, who will be counted on to fill his shoes next season. So that’s one potential bright spot.

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It will be a shame if Michigan loses, but we can’t blame Hurst, even if he doesn’t play. Skipping bowl games is a reality of college football nowadays and in the case of Hurst, the decision makes sense.