Grades and game balls from Michigan football win over MSU

Oct 21, 2023; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Mike Sainristil (0) celebrates with defensive back Ja'Den McBurrows (18) at the end of their game with the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports /

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Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) hoists the Paul Bunyan Trophy after the 49-0 win against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. /

Defense: A+

When your defense scores more points than the offense, that’s a pretty good night and that’s exactly what Michigan football’s defense did on Saturday night in East Lansing.

The Spartans didn’t score a single point. In fact, there were more photos of Adolf Hitler on the scoreboard than there were points for Michigan State, which was another embarrassment on Saturday night.

Katin Houser had no hope against Michigan. Nate Carter needed to have a big game on the ground and the Wolverines stonewalled him to the tune of 17 carries for 36 yards. Houser completed 12-of-22 passes for 101 yards and a pick-six.

Sainristil now has two interceptions returned for a touchdown. Michigan football has four total — all in Big Ten play, which is amazing because the first-team defense has allowed just three touchdowns all season.

You can’t complain about anything the defense did on Saturday night. It was the perfect time for a shutout and that’s what was bound to happen when they eliminated the big touchdown play that had plagued the defense so far in Big Ten play.

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