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The No. 19 Michigan Wolverines defeated the SMU Mustangs on Saturday 45-20.
With that in mind, we have some game balls to pass out.
Offense: Donovan Peoples-Jones
Peoples-Jones had the best performance from a Michigan wide receiver in quite some time. He balled out.
The sophomore has made a major leap from last season. His route running and catching prowess has definitely came a long way, and he’s developing some excellent timing and chemistry with quarterback Shea Patterson.
All three of Patterson’s touchdown passes went to People-Jones, who finished the day with 4 receptions for 90 yards and the 3 scores.
Touchdown No. 1
DPJ!
— Michigan On BTN (@MichiganOnBTN) September 15, 2018
Donovan Peoples-Jones breaks the tie, gives @UMichFootball the 14-7 lead. pic.twitter.com/yFbbFUDbVH
Touchdown No. 2
Hell of a TD catch by Donovan Peoples-Jones #DevyWatch pic.twitter.com/iES0AaJSuz
— Greg Brandt (@devywarehouse) September 15, 2018
Touchdown No. 3
Miss the first two Shea Patterson-to-Donovan Peoples-Jones @UMichFootball TDs?
— Michigan On BTN (@MichiganOnBTN) September 15, 2018
Don't worry, here's another! pic.twitter.com/6xN58lXctq
“He’s a freak athlete,” Patterson called Peoples-Jones after the game. “I don’t think there’s anything he can’t do. Very smart, very fast, and very football savvy as well. I know if I throw it up, I just gotta put it in his vicinity. There’s a lot of trust in him.”
Peoples-Jones is already up to 4 TD’s on the year and it appears he’s Patterson’s favorite target through the first three weeks of the season.
Defense: Devin Bush
It wasn’t a great game for the Michigan defense, but Devin Bush was a clear standout performer.
Devin Bush was all over the field against SMU today for Michiganhttps://t.co/BZymIlEzqt pic.twitter.com/kPRyM5Qmjy
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 16, 2018
Bush had 7 tackles (5 solo) and held his own when playing the pass or the run.
This is what happens when you try to turn the corner with #Michigan #Wolverines LB Devin Bush II (@_Dbush11) in the way pic.twitter.com/uBsoc8LTCD
— Sleeper Athletes (@SleeperAthletes) September 15, 2018
After the game, SMU’s coach Sonny Dykes was highly impressed with Bush’s performance.
Sonny Dykes of #SMU on Devin Bush: “I think #10 is as good a linebacker as I’ve ever seen.” #Michigan
— Matt Schoch (@Matt_Schoch_) September 15, 2018
Have yourself a game ball, Devin.
Special Teams: Quinn Nordin
After missing a kick last week, Nordin got back on track converting a try from 45 yards out. A game or two being won or lost will likely depend on the leg of Nordin this season. There’s just not much margin for error when you’re a kicker.
After Jim Harbaugh said earlier this week that the kicking unit needs to start making their attempts, Nordin responded with a long one going through the uprights.