Finally, we’re back. The community of football fans, with all the endless waiting and speculation stripped away, and FOOTBALL instead. I imagine this is what it feels like to be a fish taken out of water, then eventually and mercifully thrown back in.
Of course, Week 1 brings a lot of opportunity to dissect and analyze the players’ growth over the last eight months. So who impressed you the most? Who disappointed you the most, as well?
Here are some candidates - and don’t freak, but I have them in a slideshow:
Ty Isaac, Chris Evans, and Karan Higdon all had their moments against Florida, but a fair number of fans didn’t expect a whole lot from the fifth-year senior Isaac. He had 114 yards on 11 carries. Among the receivers, Tarik Black might’ve surprised some with 83 yards.
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Lavert Hill and Khaleke Hudson both deserve praise, as well - Hill is a man out there, and Hudson is one of the fastest linebackers I’ve ever seen. So, that’s nice.
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Tyree Kinnel was another big part of the speed demon of Michigan’s defense, and he ended up with 6 tackles and 1.5 for loss.
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The offensive line, outside of Nolan Ulizio, was a revelation as well. This group was quick, strong, and mature. Hats off to Kugler, Onwenu, Cole and Bredeson for their play.
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Who was talking about Devin Gil going into this? Dude can play. Michigan’s linebacker depth is really solid, it seems like - amazing for a group with so many unknown players.
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On the flip side, some guys who may have disappointed (depending on your expectations): Wilton Speight, DPJ, Kekoa Crawford, Eddie McDoom or Zach Gentry... although a lot of the receivers’ success goes back to the quarterback, admittedly.
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Some other guys who might’ve disappointed: Chris Evans, Karan Higdon, or Nolan Ulizio in the run game, and Rashan Gary lacked some highlight reel moments if you’re being really hard on him. But this all depends on what you expected from those guys.
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