The Rod Moore effect for Michigan football

There are different types of safeties in college football that are decent in some areas and excellent in others. A box safety excels at tackling, covering the tight end, and plugging running lanes to disrupt the offense. The free safety displays above-average coverage skills regardless of the opposition's stance. The defense can play man or zone coverage; this type of safety excels in both schemes. Then we have Rod Moore, who can play in the box or deep safety. He can hit running backs and covers well against deep passing plays facing speedy receivers. Mr. Moore succeeds in different areas of assignments and coverage. His impact on the Michigan football defense has shaped the back end into a disruptive unit.

Rod Moore's first game this season for Michigan football was against Nebraska in week five. Moore had two total tackles and a pass deflection while the Wolverines steamrolled the Huskers 45 to 7. His first interception this season took place in Ann Arbor versus Indiana. After the Indiana win, you could see that Moore was gaining strength and momentum.

The match-up where he made his first immediate impact was against Penn State. Even though he tallied a season-high six total tackles, his presence all over the field reflected dominance. Not only was he making plays, but he also put others in a position to succeed in different areas of the defense.

The Ohio State game is where Moore made a play that turned him into a folklore hero for Michigan football. The opposition is driving to score with less than one minute left in the game and guess who intercepts a pass to seal three straight wins versus the most hated rival in Michigan history. That interception by Moore allowed Michigan to advance to and win the Big Ten Championship and move on to the College Football Playoff. This second impact game catapulted Michigan into an undefeated season while capturing a playoff appearance.

The performances Rod Moore displays in each game reflect consistency and discipline. He has exceeded expectations this season. His leadership and guidance have allowed Will Johnson and Mike Sainristil to grow and blossom into elite defenders. His knowledge of the game increases his awareness while playing on the gridiron. He will be a key factor in disrupting the Crimson Tide offense when they meet in the playoff.