Michigan 38, Wisconsin 13

Tag: Lavert Hill


14Oct 2018
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Michigan 38, Wisconsin 13

Josh Metellus (image via Detroit News)

So…uh…how about that offensive line? It hasn’t been often that we have said this over the past few years, but the offensive line play was excellent. The Badgers’ defense isn’t as good as it has been in some other recent seasons – the linebackers aren’t as good, and the defensive line was banged up. But it’s still a well coached unit, and the linebackers are solid. This offensive line would have still been mauled in recent years, but Shea Patterson had oodles of time to throw, and Karan Higdon had good enough run blocking to bounce some runs to the outside for big chunk gains. The coverage on the back end was good for the most part, so Patterson still had to scramble (and tried to do too much at times), but there weren’t many mistakes up front. Credit goes to the players, obviously, but I think the Ed Warinner Effect is becoming more and more apparent.

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17Aug 2018
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2018 Season Countdown: #11 Lavert Hill

Lavert Hill (image via MGoBlue)

Name: Lavert Hill
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 181 lbs.
High school: Detroit (MI) King
Position: Cornerback
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #24
Last year: I ranked Hill #17 and said he would be a starting cornerback with 25 tackles and 2 interceptions (LINK). He made 25 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions (for 24 yards and 1 TD), and 7 pass breakups.
TTB Rating: 84

Hill received a bunch of negative attention in the spring and fall of 2017 stemming from comments made by cornerbacks coach Mike Zordich. Zordich essentially questioned Hill’s desire and toughness because he didn’t play through bumps and bruises. But when it came time for the season to roll around, Hill was ready to roll, and he played at a high level. Just like counterpart David Long, Jr., Hill was repeatedly noted by Pro Football Focus as one of the top few cornerbacks in the country. He made an interception against Cincinnati, returning it across the field for a 24-yard touchdown. Overall, it was an excellent season for his first year as a starter, and he was named Second Team All-Big Ten.

Zordich was at it once again this spring when Hill missed some time with a minor injury. Good things must be coming this year if Zordich is down on Hill, so I’m okay with it. Hill should be an all-conference player if he continues to ascend, and Michigan could have the best cornerback duo in the nation. I rank Hill a couple spots above Long because I think Hill is a little more skilled as a cover guy. But neither one cracks the top ten, because Brandon Watson and Ambry Thomas exist. Michigan has four solid corners, making the top two guys slightly less important. With another season like last year, Hill is another guy to watch who could be an early entrant into the 2019 NFL Draft.

Prediction: Starting cornerback; 30 tackles, 2 interceptions

20Nov 2017
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Michigan vs. Wisconsin Awards

Karan Higdon (image via Saturday Tradition)

Let’s see more of this guy on offense . . . Karan Higdon. Higdon had 7 carries for 20 yards on Saturday, and he played second fiddle to Chris Evans while nursing an ankle injury. If Michigan has any chance to beat Ohio State, it has to have a healthy Higdon. Higdon is the team’s leading rusher this season (136 carries, 874 yards, 6.43 yards/carry, 10 TDs).

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14Nov 2017
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Michigan vs. Maryland Awards

Let’s see more of this guy on offense . . . Michael Onwenu. Freshman Cesar Ruiz has been playing in place of an injured Onwenu, and while Ruiz has done okay, I think Onwenu has reached a point where he’s a solid right guard. Early in the year, he was struggling with his technique and conditioning, but now that he’s worked his way into game shape, he should be capable of playing an entire contest.

Hit the jump for the rest of the awards.

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