Last week Mason Graham won the QB-free award in his glorious return from injury. This week, we move to the offensive side of the ball and give our esteemed award of gridiron greatness to — Colston Loveland!
Saturday’s win was a true team performance — it was tough to pick out any singular effort. Corum had a pair of touchdowns but felt limited outside of the red zone. Jaylen Harrell had two sacks, and frankly has a good case for the trophy, but his plays came in slightly smaller moments.
Loveland twice provided huge plays for the Michigan offense. The first of which came on third-and-10 with time winding down in the first quarter. Without a completion on the day and facing a third-and-10, Michigan needed to move the chains. Indiana had the lead and looked strong through the first quarter, if Michigan wanted points, they would have to come soon.
The McCarthy to Loveland connection delivered. Loveland ran a 12-yard out, and McCarthy fired a laser into the tight window. Narrowly avoiding two collapsing defenders, Loveland slid to the turf to collect McCarthy’s throw. Despite the wet conditions, he held onto the ball and kept the drive alive. Loveland had another 14-yard pickup later in the possession that he ended by putting a defender in the dirt, but this catch put the offense in rhythm. They would score a touchdown that drive and never look back.
Loveland’s last catch of the day was the big fish. On the first drive of the third quarter, Michigan was once again faced with a third-and-10 on their own half the field. Indiana’s pressure got home, and McCarthy rolled out. Simultaneously, Loveland began to bend his route upfield. J.J. found him free in the secondary and put the ball on the money. Loveland scooped it out of the air and showcased his athleticism as he galloped through a trio of Indiana defenders for the score.
Loveland finished with three catches for 80 yards. Not an incredible stat line, but his best plays came in the biggest moments. He may end up as the best tight end of the Harbaugh era, and that’s saying something. Keep an eye out for the boy from Idaho, he’s got something going on.
Award counter:
Mason Graham (1)
Colston Loveland (1)