ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan football won big in Week 1. Though the team is mostly healthy, there were numerous big names who either didn’t play or weren’t on the field as often as usual. As a result, there were a great many new names and faces who saw playing time in the 30-3 win over East Carolina.
Though dressed and listed on the new pregame injury report as questionable, cornerback Will Johnson and safety Rod Moore did not play. Safety Makari Paige, also listed as questionable, played only 10 snaps according to PFF. In their stead, the Wolverines used a heavy dose of cornerback Keshaun Harris (a former walk-on) and safety Keon Sabb as starters, as well as safety Zeke Berry once Paige was back on the bench.
As far as Johnson and Moore are concerned, Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that there’s a chance one or both could be back for the Week 2 home game against UNLV.
“I think they’d be — there’s an opportunity this week,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll see.”
Of course, none of the above have practiced yet this week, as that will resume on Monday.
Without Johnson and Moore on the field, the Wolverines did OK with their replacements. Per PFF, Sabb had the fifth-highest defensive grade (75.1) while Harris posted the 14th (66.6).
Week 2 will pit Michigan football against UNLV for a 3:30 p.m. EDT kick, to be broadcast nationally on CBS.