The Michigan Wolverines bounced back with a dominant, no-nonsense 63-3 win over Central Michigan in the non-conference finale on Saturday at the Big House. Here are our grades for each position group as Michigan eclipsed 600 total yards for the first time since 2016.
Quarterbacks: A
Bryce Underwood was unstoppable — or Batman, as Biff Poggi called him — throwing for 235 yards and one touchdown to go with a game-high 114 rushing yards (most for a Michigan quarterback since 2013) and two touchdowns. Underwood had a highlight-filled game that included an 18-yard scramble and score, while his only mistake was an ill-advised interception in the second quarter.
Running backs: A-
The running backs largely took a backseat because of Underwood, but Justice Haynes still managed to go for 104 yards and one touchdown, surpassing 100+ yards for a third straight game. Jordan Marshall racked up a season-high 52 yards and two touchdowns, while Bryson Kuzdzal and Jasper Parker also found the end zone to help the Wolverines score eight total rushing touchdowns.
Advertisement
Wide receivers: B
Freshman Andrew Marsh showed off his versatile skillset against the Chippewas, grabbing one catch for 30 yards and scoring a 23-yard touchdown run. Meanwhile, Semaj Morgan compiled a career-best 69 receiving yards, 32 of which came on Underwood’s lone touchdown pass of the day. There’s still plenty of room for improvement, but it’s clear the group is headed in the right direction.
Tight ends: B–
After missing the Oklahoma matchup due to injury, Marlin Klein returned to action against Central Michigan, but it was backup tight end Hogan Hansen that made the most impact — posting three catches for 43 yards. Klein was targeted four times but only reeled in one catch for eight yards. Tight end/H-back Max Bredeson also had a bounce-back performance after a rough game at Oklahoma last week and was the lead blocker for Underwood on his 20-yard touchdown run. This group has continued to display impressive depth and provide Underwood with reliable targets.
Advertisement
Offensive line: B+
Michigan was without left guard Giovanni El-Hadi and right Brady Norton due to injury, so Nate Efobi and Jake Guarnera, respectively, started in their spots. Even though it was against an inferior opponent, it was a solid showing, as the Wolverines rushed for 381 yards and 6.9 yards per attempt. Haynes had a 70-yard touchdown called back due to a holding call on Efobi, but the offensive line played a clean game otherwise.
Defensive line: B+
The defensive line didn’t allow Central Michigan’s run-based offense to find any success between the tackles, which is exactly what you want to see against lesser competition. Rayshaun Benny, Damon Payne Jr. and Trey Pierce were stout on the inside, and Manuel Beigel added his first career fumble recovery. The edge rushers were uncharacteristically quiet but still played well.
Advertisement
Linebackers: A
Linebacker Jaishawn Barham lined up on the edge for most of the game, and it paid off as he finished with six tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks. He was flying all over the field in the first half and it felt like he was in the backfield on every snap. Jimmy Rolder and Cole Sullivan also combined for 11 tackles, and Troy Bowles had one forced fumble and one quarterback pressure.
Secondary: A-
The secondary played at a high level on Saturday, as Jyaire Hill had four tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack, and TJ Metcalf recorded four tackles and one tackle for loss. Brandyn Hillman also made a big-time tackle to force a turnover on downs in the first half, while freshman defensive backs Elijah Dotson (first career interception) and Jayden Sanders (two tackles) showcased their high upside.
Special teams: B-
For the second week in a row, Dominic Zvada missed a field goal he should have made — this time it was a 46-yarder. Zvada was one of the best kickers in the country last year, but he hasn’t been able to play up to his standards so far yet this season. As far as the return game goes, there weren’t any major mistakes but there were some issues — Morgan was ran into by his own guy on a couple occasions on the punt return — that need to be corrected moving forward.
