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Michigan 41, Illinois 8

Karan Higdon (image via Atlantic Broadband)

Michigan shakes up the offensive line. After the injury to left tackle Grant Newsome a few weeks ago, Michigan has been searching for some consistency on the left side. Redshirt sophomore Juwann Bushell-Beatty was the first player to draw into the lineup in Newsome’s spot. I know some people said he was doing fine, but I saw a guy who was struggling with his assignments. This week the Wolverines started fifth year senior Ben Braden at left tackle and true freshman Ben Bredeson at left guard, which I think is a superior lineup. I said since he committed (LINK) that I think Bushell-Beatty can play left tackle down the road if he manages his body properly, but I also thought he would be a guy to potentially start late in his career, not necessarily as a redshirt sophomore. There are still some things to work on for the future. Meanwhile, I thought the line had a decent day outside of right guard Kyle Kalis, who I think probably played his worst game of the season.

Hit the jump for more in the win vs. Illinois.

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Visitors: Michigan vs. Illinois

Starkville (MS) Starkville LB Willie Gay (image via Oxford Eagle)

2017

Martin Andrus – DT – Los Angeles (CA) Los Angeles: Andrus is a 6’1″, 280 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon, UCLA, and USC, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 3-star, the #20 defensive tackle, and #350 overall. He announced he would take an official visit this weekend, but Michigan may not be actively recruiting him going forward.

Alonzo Booth – FB – Columbus (OH) St. Francis DeSales:

Eddie Brecht – OT – Lapeer (MI) Lapeer:

Willie Gay – LB – Starkville (MS) Starkville: Gay is a 6’1″, 215 lb. prospect who committed to Ole Miss in June; he also has offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, and Mississippi State, among others. The U.S. Army All-American is a 247 Composite 4-star, the #8 outside linebacker, and #124 overall. This is his official visit.

Matt Hankins – CB – Flower Mound (TX) Marcus: Hankins is a 6’0″, 160 lb. prospect who is committed to Iowa; he also has offers from Houston, Michigan, and Missouri, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 3-star, the #87 cornerback, and #863 overall. This is his official visit.

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Preview: Michigan vs. Illinois

RUSH OFFENSE vs. ILLINOIS RUSH DEFENSE

Michigan is #15 in the country with 255 yards/game and tied for #13 (with Illinois) at 5.67 yards/carry. Pre-season afterthought Chris Evans leads the team with 400 yards on 8.3 yards/carry, though he’s just third on the team in carries behind De’Veon Smith (336 yards, 5.5 yards/carry) and Ty Isaac (297 yards, 5.6 yards/carry). It would be remiss of me not to mention fullback Khalid Hill, whose meager 1.6 yards/carry on 13 attempts has netted 7 touchdowns – he’s the goal-line guy. Illinois is #86 in rush defense (185 yards allowed/game) and tied for #78 in yards allowed per carry (4.32). Linebacker Hardy Nickerson (6’0″, 230 lbs.) leads the team by a wide margin with 58 tackles, but two of the next three guys are defensive backs. Defensive end Carroll Phillips (6’3″, 240 lbs.) has made 11 tackles for loss this season. He made 9 TFLs in the first three games (Murray State, North Carolina, Western Michigan) and has just two in the last three games (Nebraska, Purdue, Rutgers). The other end, Dawuane Smoot, is also pretty disruptive (8 TFLs). The Illini have a solid defensive line, but their linebackers leave something to be desired. Michigan’s offensive line has taken a step forward this year, so it won’t be the easiest of sledding, but the Wolverines should do a pretty good job against an undersized front.
Advantage: Michigan

Hit the jump for the rest of the preview.

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Attractive Michigan Girl of the Week

If you have any other pictures of good looking women wearing Michigan gear, drop me an e-mail. Go Blue!

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2016 Mid-Season Grades: Defense

Don Brown and Jim Harbaugh (image via Detroit Free Press)

DEFENSIVE LINE:

A

Maybe I’m grading harshly here, but despite being one of the best defensive lines in the country, it hasn’t been as outstanding of a season as it could have been so far. Players have battled injuries (Taco Charlton, Bryan Mone) and the backups performed admirably. Charlton has only played in four games and averages 1 sack per game, but I think Michigan still lacks that one dominant edge rusher. They make up for it with an array of talent and blitzes, but quarterback scrambles hurt them in the first few games of the year. Defensive linemen have combined for 30.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks, but the lack of one truly dominant player prevents me from giving them a perfect grade.

Hit the jump for more.

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