2021 Michigan vs. Rutgers Awards

 

Brad Hawkins

Let's see more of this guy on offense . . . A.J. Henning. Henning has been a decent receiver (3 catches, 36 yards) and an outstanding runner (2 rushes, 100 yards, 1 TD) early in the season, but when push came to shove against Rutgers, the coaching staff almost completely ignored him. His only overall touch was on a punt return, and the only attempt to get him the ball on offense was an early fade route on the outside. Michigan needs to make more of a concerted effort to get guys like Henning the ball on the edge.

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Deuce Spurlock, Wolverine

 

Deuce Spurlock (image via 247 Sports)

Madison (AL) Madison Academy linebacker Deuce Spurlock committed to Michigan on Sunday. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Auburn, Pitt, and South Carolina, among others.

Spurlock is listed at 6'2" and 200 lbs.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 3-star, 78 grade, #51 OLB
Rivals: 3-star OLB, 5.5 grade
247 Sports: 3-star, 85 grade, #92 ATH

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2021 Ex-Wolverine Updates: Week 4

 

Xavier Worthy (image via Burnt Orange Nation)

FORMER PLAYERS

LB Jordan Anthony (Troy): Anthony made 3 tackles in a 29-16 loss to Louisiana-Monroe.

RB Zach Charbonnet (UCLA): Charbonnet had 23 carries for 118 yards and 1 touchdown in a 35-24 win over Stanford.

WR Kekoa Crawford (Cal): Crawford made 8 catches for 107 yards in a 31-24 loss to Washington.

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Michigan 20, Rutgers 13

 

Blake Corum (image via Detroit News)

Well, that was an unexpected nail-biter. I was spot on with my prediction of Rutgers scoring 13 points, but I thought Michigan would have a bit easier time on offense (I predicted 34 points). For two years in a row, Michigan has beaten Rutgers by just one score (they won 48-42 in triple overtime in 2020), and it's frustrating to an extent that the Wolverines can't play better despite being significantly more talented, especially on offense. Rutgers has mediocre players on the offensive line, at quarterback, and at tight end, yet they manage to scheme their way to a modicum of success. But a win is a win. We've seen these games turn into losses, so I'll take it for now.

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Preview: Michigan vs. Rutgers

 

Rutgers WR Bo Melton (Ben Solomon/Rutgers Athletics)

RUSH OFFENSE vs. RUTGERS RUSH DEFENSE
Michigan is the #1 rushing team in the country, averaging 350 yards per game on 7.15 yards per carry (#4). The two most relevant players are Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins, who are almost identical in attempts this year: 48 and 49, respectively. Corum is the more explosive one (8.5 yards/carry, 7 touchdowns) while Haskins (5.7 yards/carry, 4 touchdowns) is the Steady Eddie. The unsung heroes of that rushing offense, of course, are the offensive linemen, who are blasting people up front. That group is led by center Andrew Vastardis. Rutgers is #49 in rushing defense (113 yards allowed/game) and #46 in yards allowed per carry (3.39). Those numbers are bolstered by the quality of opponent so far, which has included Temple, Syracuse, and Delaware.
Advantage: Michigan

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All-Time Season Rushing Yards Leaders

 

Tim Biakabutuka (image via Cleveland.com)

I previously posted the all-time career yardage leaders (LINK). Now it's time to reminisce about the best rushing seasons ever in a Michigan uniform. I set out to post the top 25, but going to 33 allowed me to include all 1,000-yard gainers, so I extended the list a bit.

Former Michigan Athlete of the Week: Tom Brady

 

Tom Brady

He just can't stop being awesome. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady completed 24/36 passes for 276 yards and 5 touchdowns in a 48-25 win over the Falcons.

HONORABLE MENTION

• RB Chris Evans (Bengals): Evans caught 1 pass for 14 yards in a 20-17 loss to the Bears.
• DE Kwity Paye (Colts): Paye made 5 tackles in a 27-24 loss to the Rams.
• WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (Browns): Peoples-Jones made 1 catch for 14 yards in a 31-21 win over the Texans.
• S Jabrill Peppers (Giants): Peppers made 6 tackles and returned 2 punts for 8 yards in a 30-29 loss to the Washington Football Team.
• OG Jon Runyan, Jr. (Packers): Runyan made his first career start in a 35-17 win over the Lions.
• OLB Josh Uche (Patriots): Uche made 3 tackles and 2 sacks in a 25-6 win over the Jets.

Both of Josh Uche's sacks came late in obvious passing situations, but he undressed the right guard twice on the same drive with a punch-dip move. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/n8cfUjeASX

— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) September 20, 2021