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Michigan 20, Northwestern 17

Karan Higdon (image via Valdosta Daily Times)

Never apologize for a victory. There are going to be a lot of complaints about Michigan in regard to this game, but it goes in the books as a win and moves the Wolverines to 4-1 on the year. There was a time in the not-too-distant past when this would have been a loss because the offense never would have been able to mount enough momentum to score 20 points in a comeback attempt. In the post-2011 Brady Hoke years, the defense would have played well, the offense would have put up 10-13 points, and then the D would have cracked from having to be on the field forever.

Hit the jump for the rest of the recap.

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Preview: Michigan at Northwestern

RUSH OFFENSE vs. NORTHWESTERN RUSH DEFENSE

Michigan is #36 overall (212 yards/game) at running the ball, even after a dominant game last week that saw them run for 285 yards. Karan Higdon has been a difference-maker in his last two games played (25 carries, 292 yards, 2 TD), but he missed the SMU game with an undisclosed injury. The Wolverines will probably be looking to junior Tru Wilson (23 carries, 150 yards, 1 TD) as the primary backup, and it will be interesting to see whether sophomore O’Maury Samuels (9 carries, 49 yards) or freshman Christian Turner (10 carries, 55 yards) steps in next, with junior Chris Evans likely out with a hamstring injury. Up front the offensive line has continued to improve, and left tackle Jon Runyan, Jr. played his best game last week. Northwestern is #42 in rushing defense (130 yards allowed/game) and #59 in yards allowed per carry (3.89). Redshirt sophomore MIKE Paddy Fisher (6’4″, 241 lbs.) leads the team with 28 tackles, followed by sophomore WILL Blake Gallagher (6’1″, 227) with 26 and fifth year senior Nate Hall (6’2″, 231) has 21. The Wildcats are #95 in tackles for loss, led by redshirt junior defensive end Joe Gaziano (6’4″, 275) with 4. Senior defensive tackle Jordan Thompson (6’3″, 292) is second with 3. Northwestern runs a 4-3 or 4-2-5 defense.
Advantage: Michigan

Hit the jump for the rest of the preview.

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Former Michigan Athlete of the Week: Blake Countess

Los Angeles Rams safety Blake Countess scored a touchdown on a blocked punt (see above) and returned 2 kickoffs for 51 yards in a 35-23 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

HONORABLE MENTION

• New England Patriots QB Tom Brady was 14/26 for 133 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception in a 26-10 loss to the Detroit Lions.
• Seattle Seahawks DE Frank Clark made 2 tackles and 1 sack in a 24-13 win over the Dallas Cowboys.
• Carolina Panthers WR Devin Funchess made 4 catches for 67 yards and 1 touchdown in a 31-21 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
• Cleveland Browns S Jabrill Peppers made 4 tackles and 3 punt returns for 10 yards in a 21-17 win over the New York Jets.
• Minnesota Vikings P Matt Wile averaged 51.8 yards on 5 punts in a 27-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills

NOTES

• Denver Broncos TE Jake Butt tore his ACL in practice this week, which is the third time he has suffered an ACL injury, including twice at Michigan.
• Cincinnati Bengals DT Ryan Glasgow tore his ACL in last week’s game.

Way Too Early 2019 Depth Chart: September 2018

Daxton Hill

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Lots of things will change between now and the 2019 season opener, but it’s fun to think about the future, nevertheless.

NOTE: All players whose eligibility will not expire are considered for the depth chart, so potential early NFL draft entrants (Rashan Gary, Shea Patterson, etc.) still appear on this chart.

Hit the jump for an early look at 2019.

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Giles Jackson, Wolverine

Giles Jackson (image via Land of 10)

Oakley (CA) Freedom athlete Giles Jackson committed to Michigan on September 10. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Cal, Florida, Oregon, and USC, among others. I, however, was extremely busy when he committed and didn’t have time to put together a post until now (note: I’m writing this at 4:32 a.m. because I can’t sleep).

Jackson is listed at 5’8″ and 175 lbs., but he lists himself at 5’10” and 185 lbs. on his Hudl page. He ran a 4.43 forty and a 3.85 shuttle, along with doing a 38.5″ vertical, at The Opening Finals back in July. As a junior in 2017, he ran the ball 221 times for 1,586 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also caught 21 passes for 324 yards and 5 scores.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 3-star, 79 grade, #42 ATH
Rivals: 3-star, 5.6 grade, #7 APB
247 Sports: 4-star, 91 grade, #31 WR, #216 overall

Hit the jump for more on Jackson’s commitment.

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