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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.

Hit the jump for the rest of the recap.

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Preview: Michigan vs. Wisconsin

RUSH OFFENSE vs. WISCONSIN RUSH DEFENSE

Michigan is #42 in rushing offense (200 yards/game), and the team’s 5.08 yards per carry is #35 nationally. The team is led by Karan Higdon (582 yards, 5.8 yards/carry, 5 TD), who is averaging just over 20 carries per game, which would be the highest number of carries for any running back in over a decade. Backup Chris Evans (172/5.7/2) has missed the last couple games with a hamstring injury, but he should be back this week. Wisconsin is #43 in rushing defense (130 yards allowed/game) and gives up 4.43 yards per carry (tied for #81). The leading tacklers are senior linebackers Ryan Connelly (6’3″, 237 lbs.) and T.J. Edwards (6’1″, 242) with 29 and 26 tackles, respectively. The next two guys on the list are the starting safeties, who have 25 stops each. Edwards (5.5) and Connelly (4.5) also lead the team in tackles for loss. The Badgers have a massive nose tackle in Olive Sagapolu (6’2″, 342), but they have had a terrible rash of injuries at defensive end and will be without starter Isaiahh Loudermilk.
Advantage: Michigan

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Former Michigan Athlete of the Week: Tom Brady

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady completed 34/44 passes for 341 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions in a 38-24 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

HONORABLE MENTION

• Seattle Seahawks DE Frank Clark made 2 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception for a 26-yard return in a 33-31 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
• Carolina Panthers WR Devin Funchess caught 4 passes for 53 yards in a 33-31 victory over the New York Giants.
• Philadelphia Eagles DE Brandon Graham made 3 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass breakup in a 23-21 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
• Baltimore Ravens DT Willie Henry made 2 tackles and 1 sack in a 12-9 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
• Cleveland Browns S Jabrill Peppers made 4 tackles, 2 pass breakups, and 3 punt returns for 23 yards in a 12-9 win over the Ravens.

Visitors: Michigan vs. Wisconsin

Lewis Center (OH) Olentangy Orange DE Zach Harrison

NOTE: Due to time constraints, I have not been able to do full write-ups for each player, though I am working on chipping away at it.

2019

Karsen Barnhart – OT – Paw Paw (MI) Paw Paw: Barnhart is committed to Michigan (LINK).

Davis Beal – LB – Austin (TX) Vandegrift: Beal is being looked at as a long snapper.

Bryce Benhart – OT – Lakeville (MN) North: Benhart is a 6’8″, 305 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, among others. He’s a 4-star, the #20 offensive tackle, and #183 overall. The crystal balls are currently 56% in favor of Wisconsin.

Hit the jump for several more big visitors.

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Michigan vs. Maryland Awards

Shea Patterson (image via ClickOnDetroit)

Let’s see more of this guy on offense . . . Ronnie Bell. The freshman wide receiver is making plays when given the opportunity. He caught a long touchdown pass from Dylan McCaffrey a couple weeks ago, and this week he caught a crossing route from Shea Patterson that turned into a catch-and-run touchdown. Michigan needs to keep the receivers healthy, so it’s good that Bell is getting some snaps so he (and others) can be available down the stretch.

Hit the jump for the rest of the awards.

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