Michigan Football: 5 Wolverines who have stepped up this season

Michigan football has a lot of reasons for being 7-1, but here are five guys who have stepped up and helped the Wolverines earn their way into the top five.

Normally, Sunday’s are about two things: looking back at what Michigan football did Saturday and also taking in some NFL action. However, this week was a bye week for the Wolverines, which means there is no game to break down or analyze.

There were some important developments that took place Saturday, which will certainly affect Michigan football, such as Penn State beating Iowa, Northwestern beating Wisconsin and Oklahoma State upsetting Texas. But outside of that, it was a well-deserved day off for the Wolverines and their fans.

Even as a fan, it was kind of nice to have a week off. No games to worry about and no stress. Yet, really when you think about it, so far, it’s been a pretty non-stressful season.

Outside of the Notre Dame game, the Wolverines really haven’t been tested. Michigan football dominated Wisconsin by 25 and beat Michigan State by 14, even though it should have been closer to 28. Those two wins, along with the 5-0 start in the Big Ten, have UM in prime position to win the Big Ten or make a push for the College Football Playoff.

There is a lot of work left to do, starting next Saturday with Penn State, in another marquee test for Michigan. So far the Wolverines have done well in the big games this season, with the exception of the opener and the development of five key players is a big reason why.

Certainly, there are lots of Michigan football players that deserve praise. Yet here are five who have stepped up the most so far in 2018.