In the last home game at the Big House for the 2024 football season, Michigan put together its best game of the year. The Wolverines pummeled Northwestern, 50-6, clinching a bowl game in the process. Here are this week’s position grades:
In the last home game at the Big House this season, the Michigan Wolverines put together their best game of the year. They beat the Northwestern Wildcats , 50-6, and clinched bowl eligibility.
This may be the most positive the team has played all year, so let’s get into the game’s position grades.
Quarterbacks: B
Davis Warren completed 26-of-35 passes for 195 passing yards, and threw a clutch touchdown to tight end Colston Loveland at the end of the first half. Warren did throw an interception in the first half, but he corrected it and was efficient afterwards. There weren’t many shots taken, but Moore and offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell did a better job dialing up easy plays for Warren to execute, leading to 25 total first downs in the game.
Running backs: A+
Michigan had 201 rushing yards and five touchdowns against Northwestern, getting back to Sherrone Moore’s “SMASH” mantra. Kalel Mullings had a senior day that will go into the Wolverines’ history books, rushing for 92 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries. Donovan Edwards also looked like his old self, putting up 65 yards and a score on 10 carries. Finally, senior running back Tavierre Dunlap took his one carry for a 20-yard house call, scoring the first touchdown of his Michigan career. You cannot ask for a better ending for the three senior backs.
Wide receivers: A
Two weeks ago, I started this thread with, “What is new?” Well, there was a lot that was new (in a positive way) for the receiving core. While it helped Warren was more accurate and making good throws, the receivers put the offense in a position to succeed. Tyler Morris had his best game, hauling in seven catches for 64 yards, Frederick Moore caught both his targets for 26 yards, Peyton O’Leary made two grabs, and Kendrick Bell got in the action as well. With a lot of changes coming next season, Morris’ breakout game was refreshing to see from a receiver group that all have eligibility to return.
Tight ends: B+
It wasn’t flashy, but the tight ends were busy in the air and on the ground. Consistently, Loveland and Marlin Klein were making key blocks on the right side of the line to open up holes for the running backs, including on a Mullings 47-yard run in the third quarter. Loveland brought in three catches for 22 yards and a touchdown, Klein had an eight-yard catch, and Max Bredeson had two catches for 19 yards. It is worth noting Loveland did not play in the second half, but 201 rushing yards is no joke, and the tight ends are a massive reason why the Wolverines were so successful on the ground.
Offensive Line: A
Just like the tight ends, the offensive line made block after block for the running backs, creating holes on both sides of the line to let the backs flourish. Warren was sacked only once, and he had a lot of time in the pocket on Saturday, contributing to his accuracy. Props to the offensive line for correcting their mistakes against Indiana.
Defensive Line: A
The defensive line helped limit Northwestern’s ground game to 10 yards. Josaiah Stewart continued his elite season with two sacks. Next to him, Kenneth Grant sacked the quarterback, as did TJ Guy. Mason Graham made two tackles, and Enow Etta had half a sack. It was a dominant day for Michigan’s best position group.
Linebackers: A-
Similarly to the defensive line, the linebackers showed up in a massive way to prevent anything on the ground, and they also got to the quarterback. Ernest Hausmann had three solo tackles and a sack, while Cole Sullivan got into the action as well with two tackles. The linebacker unit was just as responsible for the lack of a rushing or air attack the Wildcats had, so kudos to them for not giving up any major chunk plays.
Defensive backs: A
After giving up 206 yards with a 61 percent completion percentage to Indiana quarterback Kurtis Roarke, the Wolverines limited Northewestern quarterback Jack Lausch to 106 passing yards, a 48 percent completion percentage. Lausch also threw two interceptions, one to Aamir Hall and another to Mason Curtis. This group was flying all over the field, which was a huge reason why the Wolverines held the Wildcats to just six points. If they can repeat the performance in Columbus, the Buckeyes could be in trouble.
Special teams: A
One punt for 48 yards and two made field goals from 56 yards and 28 yards. Michigan special teams had a great day, and Wolverines’ kicker Dominic Zvada looks like a future kicker in the NFL.