The Michigan Wolverines collected their 1,000th program win last Saturday with a 31-24 win over the Maryland Terrapins. Though the game was not the blowout that many predicted and expected, Michigan was still able to grind out a win thanks in part to the efforts of Mike Sainristil.
The senior defensive back has been stellar all season, but put on a signature performance in Saturday’s win. He recorded three tackles, but forced a pair of second half turnovers while the game was within one possession to hold Maryland from building momentum and gaining lead.
Sainristil’s first interception came with seven and a half minutes remaining in the third quarter. He jumped an out route and got his hands on the ball, reeling it in before getting dragged down by a receiver. The offense was able to get into the endzone and score what would end up being the game winning touchdown.
Sainristil’s second pick was the turning point of the game. The Terps needed a long third-down conversion to stay alive. They tested Mike against a taller receiver on a go ball, but Sainristil was able to come down with the turnover and give Michigan the ball back. Michigan capitalized with a safety on the next defensive possession and ran the clock out to secure a victory.
While both turnovers were obviously crucial, Sainristil also provided a flare of versatility late in the game that helped Michigan get their best 11 on the field. Sainristil usually plays in the slot with Johnson and Wallace on the boundary, but Wallace was getting picked on and the staff made the decision to shift Sainristil into the boundary. The result was Ja’Den McBurrows coming onto the field as a slot corner, and he played very well. Credit Sainristil for his flexibility and talent for making the difficult switch mid-game.
Sainristil was made a captain before the season, and his performance Saturday was a perfect exaple as to why. Not only was Mike one of the most productive players on the field period, he also encapsulated what it meant to be a good teammate with his un-selfish behavior.
Sainristil will play a huge role Saturday when the Wolverines host Ohio State in a crucial game for both teams.