[jwplayer g0gX6XZ7-XNcErKyb]
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan was set to showcase a new look in the prime time season opener this past Saturday, and all eyes were on new starting quarterback Joe Milton.
Milton admitted that before the game, he started to tear up when he realized the reality of the situation, but team H-back Ben Mason galvanized the team around him in the moments before the game in a pregame speech.
“Basically, all I said was, ‘Joe, everyone’s confident in you. Go out there and do your thing,’” Mason said. “Kinda just letting him know, in your first start, I know how that feels and I wanted him to know everyone was confident in his abilities, because he’s a really great player.”
[lawrence-related id=29243,29240,29225]
But why was Mason so confident?
Of course, that confidence paid off, as Milton was 17-for-22 through the air while adding 52-yards rushing on the ground for two total touchdowns against Minnesota. Michigan appeared to be able to do whatever it wanted to do offensively, and Milton played a key part in that.
For Mason, he’s just seen a player who’s put the work in, led by example and waited patiently for his moment to arrive.
“Joe is a tremendous leader on this team and everyone just has a huge amount of respect for him because everyone just sees the way he works,” Mason said. “We’ve seen what he’s been through here over the years and he’s been waiting for this opportunity and I’m so glad that it’s finally came, because he’s gonna make the most of it. You can just see it in his eyes. As far as his talent goes, we’re gonna see it as the games continue.”
Up next, Milton and the Wolverines have a tough task with rival MSU coming to town. The Spartans are reeling after an inexplicable loss to Rutgers to open the Big Ten 2020 season, but a win in Ann Arbor would certainly upend the season for the maize and blue.
[vertical-gallery id=29051]