In this one, no one really really stood out. Certainly no one from Iowa. The UM D continues to dominate and all hands point to the game in November when 1 and 2 will square off at the shoe. Lots of prospects in this one and the score doesnt really say how close this one was. Very defensive struggle, 3-0 at halftime.
Leon Hall CB
Wasn’t tested much. Physical. Is not a blazer, but is quick enough. Tough tackler who will force fumbles. Tate was smart to stay away from him. Deflected a few passes and certainly did not get beat.
Steve Breaston
Didn’t have a spectacular game returning or receiving. Did break one big return. Added a few catches and moved the chains. Is worth his weight in the return game, and I think that is all he will be in the pros.
Jake Long
Team captain. Has nice, stable technique and form. Gave Henne plenty of time to get the ball off. Big tower and sets up a solid base and out manuevers the ends. I still feel he is a tad overrated, but is a very very good player.
Tyler Ecker TE
DNP. I havent been able to find out what happened?
Chad Henne QB
Big time arm. Gets rid of the ball quick. Stands up tall in pocket and wont take a lot of sacks. Smart, good decision maker. Will never be a spectacular QB, but does everything Coach Carr asks of him and bottom line is he wins.
Mike Hart RB
Won’t loose the football. Ran hard and didnt go down on first contact. Struggled early. Is actually an able receiver. Gets stronger as the game goes on. High endurance and is a workhorse back. Was the difference for the Wolverines with Manningham out.
Alan Branch DT
Best tackle in the country. Possesses excellent maneuvers to get to the QB. If they had a stat for hurries, he would most likely lead defensive tackles in that category. I cant think of any tackles in the country that are better.
LaMarr Woodley DE
Put constant pressure on QB. Was unblockable. Uses long reach to make up ground. Has worked his way into the first round with his performance today. 2 sacks, continues to look fantastic.
David Harris LB
Head hunter. Tough run stopper. Lots of starts. Good motor
Prescott Burgess LB
Great cover corner like Cato June. Great range and playmaking ability. Picks good lanes and is decisive with where he chooses to make tackles.
Willis Barringer S
Did not start, but got in the game. Didnt really play enough to warrant a grade.
Mark Bihl C
Mirrors defender very well. Did let a few people by, but for the most part held off opponents. Sets up real well. I made sure to focus on him the entire game and he didnt allow any sacks but did let a few guys through. Overall solid performance.
Jamar Adams S
Was all over the field. Looked like the best player on the field today. Solid performance. Wrapped up well and comes up to hit more than dropping back. Is more of a run stopping S.
IOWA
Mike Jones OG
Good finisher. Mean streak. Pulls well. Best player on the offense, sadly enough! POSITIVE
Scott Chandler TE
Good blocker and catcher. Tall, lean target. Bit of a tweener at the next level between slow receiver and soft tight end. POSITIVE
Drew Tate QB
Strong arm. Wasn’t impressive. Just hasnt returned to his freshman form where he was the gunslinger and made plays happen. Got sacked 5 times and threw for only 197 yards. NEUTRAL/NEGATIVE
Albert Young RB
In and out of the lineup. Has been banged up. Ran well between the tackles. Caught some passes out of the backfield. Still only had 17 yards! This is what the UM defense does to you. NEGATIVE
Mike Elgin OG
Started at RG. POSITIVE
Names to Add
IOWA
Mike Klinkenborg LB-Junior. Stout run stopper. Didn’t shed blocks as well as he could. Chooses good lanes. Very physical.
Marcus Pascal S-Senior-Might be the best player on the defense. Made plays in a number of areas on the field.
Kenny Iwebema DE-Didn’t play, injury.