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After getting a big rivalry win over Michigan State last week 44-10, Michigan had to shift their attention to Indiana. Michigan was able to do just that and do it well, winning 39-14 as they improved to 9-2 before taking on Ohio State next week.
The passing game blew up again, and the defense was able to rebound after some early mistakes. Check out below how each position was graded on their performance in the win yesterday.
OFFENSE
Quarterback: A
Shea Patterson had another fantastic game as he continues to be hot at the right time of the season. He had back-to-back 300+ yard and 4+ touchdown games as he finished the game going 20/32 for 366 yards with five touchdowns and an interception. He did overthrow two easy touchdowns on one drive, but on that same drive, he delivered an absolute dime to wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones.
He used his legs to escape the pocket and keep plays alive, making it harder for Indiana to try and cover the multiple weapons he has in the receiving core. The interception was a poor pass by him, but that and the few overthrows only damned his performance a hair. His play right now is something special and something Michigan hasn’t had at the position in years.
Running Back: C+
Once again, the running game played in the background to the passing attack. Hassan Haskins got the start and didn’t get much production on his 13 carries, getting just 44 yards. Zach Charbonnet had more explosion, getting 46 yards on eight carries. Tru Wilson saw a glimpse of the action as he only had three carries for five yards. Michigan finished with 87 yards on 29 carries.
Wide Receiver: A+
There were some great performances by the Wolverines receiving core once again this week. Instead of it being Ronnie Bell, it was Nico Collins who was the top receiver this week, finishing with six catches for 165 yards and three touchdowns. Peoples-Jones made a ridiculous catch for a touchdown, finishing with five for 73 yards and the lone touchdown. Bell did find the endzone for the first time this year on a six-yard touchdown catch, his only catch of the game.
The freshman got involved too, as Giles Jackson got a 50-yard catch, and Mike Sainristil brought in a tight 35-yard grab. Redshirt sophomore Tarik Black wasn’t forgotten about either, getting three catches for 30 yards.
Tight End: C+
Starting tight end Sean McKeon got involved in the passing game but went backward, catching one pass for negative two yards. Nick Eubanks only had a catch for six yards. Both helped when it came to blocking and had some success with that.
Offensive Line: A-
Michigan’s offensive line had another good performance. While Patterson was sacked twice, along with the running game getting under 100 yards, the group excelled in pass protection. Patterson didn’t face much pressure and when he did it was from uneven numbers, making it harder for the five men to stop the attack. Next week will be their biggest test of the season and they need to prepare for it heavily.