Minnesota Re-View: Quick Analysis and Grades

Wow! Ok, I wasn't expecting that type of game. I feel bad for the Gophers due to the fact that they were missing a few players, including their starting special teams kicker and punter as well as two-fifths of their O-line. I picked Michigan to win 28-24. That reshuffling of the O-line led to a lot of pressure to be put on quarterback Tanner Morgan. It also resulted in a defensive score. 

It's not like Michigan wasn't without it's best wide receiver and cover corner though either. Both Nico Collins and Ambry Thomas decided to opt-out of the 2020 season and instead focus on the upcoming NFL draft. I don't blame them. And good luck. I was happy to be impressed by their replacements. More on that later. 

Let's break it down position by position: 

Quarterback: It wasn't as if new starting quarterback Joe Milton had a lights-out jaw-dropping performance. Even at first glance the 15-22 for 225 yards and one touchdown stat line doesn't seem all that impressive for a big-time college quarterback. But when you truly break the number down and re-watch the film you see a kid in total command of the offense. Most importantly, he looks like he is relaxed and enjoying it. He really didn't make but a few mistakes all night long, and none of them were momentum killing ones by any means. He never turned the ball over and completed 68% of his passes to finish with a 169.09 QB rating. He was quick on his reads and got the ball out of his hands quickly and with authority. He also ran the ball for an additional 52 yards and a score and never really looked like he broke a sweat. It was impressive. 

Grade: A

Running Back: Zach Charbonnet could be working his way into one of the best running backs that Michigan has had since the '90's. I know that is saying a lot, but he was teetering on 5-Star territory as a recruit, he had 11 TD's as a freshman, and he is a rocked-out 225-230lbs that can block as well as tote the ball. I thought he would have a big impact on the game. I didn't expect him to out-run the entire Minnesota defense for a 70 yard score on the first play of the second drive. I understand the Gophers had blown their coverage before the snap and left a gap in the middle of the field, but a few of their DB's attempted to chase him down and could not gain a step. It wasn't even close. Hassan Haskins was equally impressive throughout the night with two scores of his own. Collectively they rushed for 152 yards on just 10 carries for three scores. Chris Evans, who was seeing his first action for the Wolverines since 2018, also got a couple nice runs and a score in to the cheers of his teammates. I was happy for him, as was Coach Harbaugh. Ben Mason was a beast all night as a blocker and helped set the tone of the game early with a 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty on a relentless sideline block and an eight yard TD reception in the first quarter of the game. Yes, the penalty cost the team field position but the fact that no more critical mistakes were made the rest of the night and he made up for it with a leaping score leads me to believe his energy and senior leadership is an overall positive thing. He really helped get the juices flowing. Oh, and freshman Blake Corum actually started the game in a two-back set and had a nice catch and run out of the backfield for 24 yards to open the game. He looked very quick, shifty, and strong. 

Grade: A

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: There weren't really many stand-out plays by the receivers and none of them scored in this particular contest. Surprisingly though, for a group of players being heralded for their speed, they did a lot of dirty work on the perimeter with their blocking. Just watch that TD run by Charbonnet. There were two sophomores and a freshman lined up at receiver on that play and all three of them made something happen to help create space. Giles Jackson and Roman Wilson both threw some really good blocks in the box while Mike Saintristil was on the far side of the field where he threw a quick block on the DB in front of him and then simply out-hustled the guy in pursuit of the play. It was all great work and shining example of how these players have seemingly bought in to the offense. Ronnie Bell led the team with four catches for 74 yards (18.5 yd avg) and also did well on his blocks. Tight end Erik All kinda had a breakout performance, or at least it would've been if he hadn't dropped a sure touchdown pass delivered perfectly by Milton. He did a great job attempting to make up for it on the next play though and his blocking was great all night. He ended up with a couple of nice receptions for only 33 yards, but I have a strong feeling we will see more from him throughout the season. 

Grade: B+

Offensive Line: I told everybody that this offensive line would be fine. They were not really a worry for me much at all. I have it all in writing. It's a veteran unit filled with talented guys peaking at the right time in their respective careers. Jalen Mayfield and Andrew Stueber were dang near perfect together on the right side. Center Andrew Vastardis played so well he might have been one of the Players of the Game. Seriously, just watch every touchdown run the Wolverines had along the goal line Saturday night. Vastardis was all over defenders. On the left side, Chuck Filiaga and Ryan Hayes mostly had quiet nights, but in the world of offensive linemen that is a good thing. 

Grade: A

Defensive Line: Kwity Paye came alive late in the game and had an impressive stretch to help him end the night with three tackles for a loss and two sacks on top of four solo tackles. He is legit. Aiden Hutchinson didn't shine quite as much but still had a nice game (5 tkls). Tackle Carlo Kemp made his presence known a few times as well with a sack and a tackle for loss. The two surprises of the night for me, however, were backup tackles Donovan Jeter, who scored on a fumble recovery, and Julius Welschof, who got in on a sack and a tackle for a loss in limited action. The only reason this group doesn't get an 'A' is because they gave up a little too much on the ground. 

Grade: B+

Linebackers: Running Back Mohamed Ibrahim ran wild on the Michigan defense to the tune of 140 yards. I know he is a good back and all but is he really that good? I don't know. Overall, this group played well though. Coach Harbaugh called new Viper Michael Barrett both the "Defensive Player of the Game and Special Teams Player of the Game". I expected good things from him but nothing quite that magical. Cam McGrone and Josh Ross were both solid enough but they can be better, particularly against the run. Ross did have a very nice interception.

Grade: B

Defensive Backs: Gemon Green may have impressed me the most out of all the players on the night. I was a little worried about this match up with those Minnesota receivers but Green showed up and played very well. He was often covering talented receiver Rashod Bateman and he got the better of him, particularly in the endzone. He ended up with two passes defended with multiple incomplete passes being thrown his way. Vincent Gray was good too. Safety Dax Hill was making his presence felt throughout the game in the first half but he got hurt and never returned, and Brad Hawkins was second on the team in tackles. Freshman Makari Paige played in Hill's absence and seemed to get better as the game went on. If he keeps improving he is going to be a very good player for Michigan. 

Grade: A

Kicking: Jake Moody was 7-0 on extra points but 0-3 on field goals. Quinn Nordin is nursing and injury so he couldn't help out. The one punt that was attempted was blocked. Not a good night for kicking.

Grade: D+