No. 21 Michigan football defeated its in-state rival Michigan State 31-20 to keep the Paul Bunyan trophy in Ann Arbor and move to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in the Big Ten. It’s now time to dive into the grades this week.
Offense: B
It took halftime to make the proper adjustments, but Michigan football found its running game and rode that to a win. Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall had over 100 yards rushing. Haynes had two touchdowns, with Marshall scoring once. Haynes had a late fumble, but it didn’t cost Michigan. The passing game was nonexistent in this game. I don’t know what the issue is with Semaj Morgan, but it’s almost like an ongoing joke with yet another dropped pass. Andrew Marsh made the most of the few opportunities he had. Tight ends were invisible, and so was Donaven McCulley. Bryce Underwood was only sacked once, so the offensive line did their job, but passing wise this is one of his worst games.
Defense: B+
The late touchdown wasn’t ideal, but other than that and a few missed tackles here and there, the defense did its job. The Wolverines stopped the Spartans on back-to-back fourth-down tries when Michigan was struggling on offense. Aidan Chiles didn’t have a good game either. The Wolverines did give up a 100-plus-yard game on the ground. They held the Spartans' No. 1 receiver in check, minus one play. Four sacks and a turnover raise the grade.
Special Teams: C
Michigan football made the one field goal attempted, and the punting game was good for a change. Again, though, what’s going on with Morgan? You cannot call for a fair catch on the five-yard line. He did a great job holding onto the ball when his own teammate ran into him on a fair catch. They need somebody else back there, though, moving forward.
Coaching: B-
The offensive play calling brings down the grade this week. Sherrone Moore and Chip Lindsey are way too conservate with the lead. This has been a problem for a long time. The defense bailed them out yet again in this one. The drops and flags on offense don’t help but there were way too many third and longs in this game. The Wolverines played down to their competition rivalry game or not.
Overall Grade: B
The Wolverines have a chance to get everything right on offense next week against a struggling Purdue team. Let’s see some more aggressiveness throughout the game.