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Game Balls from Michigan vs SMU

A receiver, a linebacker, and a kicker receive game balls this week.

SMU v Michigan Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

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

Touchdown No. 2

Touchdown No. 3

“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.

Bush had 7 tackles (5 solo) and held his own when playing the pass or the run.

After the game, SMU’s coach Sonny Dykes was highly impressed with Bush’s performance.

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.