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The Michigan Wolverines fell to 1-2 following a loss to the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday. It’s the first time since 2008 that Michigan is below the .500 mark through the first three games of the season.
As unacceptable as some of the play on the field has been, there are still some highlights that show off some promise on the roster. Let’s take a look at the Top five plays of this week’s loss to Indiana.
No. 5: Kwity Paye shows off his strength
Everyone talks about @KwityPaye_19's elite pass rush, but he has made some really impressive plays in the run game too this season.
— Daniel Plocher (@DanPlocher) November 9, 2020
He tosses aside a 6'6", 315 lb RT like it's nothing and earns a TFL. pic.twitter.com/VJk3TSZtEN
Paye made an impact on the field despite the team not having the most impressive performance. He continues to build a really solid tape that will have NFL teams drooling. Here is the perfect example of that. He initiates contact and gets his hands on Indiana’s right tackle, shoves him aside, and earns a tackle for loss. Really impressive stuff from the Wolverines’ best player.
No. 4: Roman Wilson burns a defensive back for a touchdown
What a route from @Trilllroman!
— Daniel Plocher (@DanPlocher) November 9, 2020
His cut to the inside is just so explosive and leaves the defender in his dust right over the middle. @Qbjayy7 finds him for 6⃣!@MaizenBrew pic.twitter.com/iDJz30t5HK
Roman Wilson has shown much potential in his first few weeks in Ann Arbor. He leaves an Indiana defensive back flat-footed on a strong cut to the inside as he scores his first touchdown with the program.
No. 3: Cornelius Johnson taps his toes for a first down
NFL-style toe-tapping catch from @CorneliusNation. pic.twitter.com/Sj52dff77X
— Daniel Plocher (@DanPlocher) November 9, 2020
Outside of Ronnie Bell, Cornelius Johnson may be Joe Milton’s favorite receiver. He had his second-straight 50-plus yard performance on Saturday including this catch that would have been good in the big leagues.
No. 2: Joe Milton tosses a perfect ball to Ronnie Bell for six
What a pass by @Qbjayy7
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 7, 2020
He picks up his 3rd TD of the day and brings @UMichFootball within striking distance pic.twitter.com/wvmlyEefEy
A lot has been said about Milton’s struggles in down field accuracy. Most of that comes from his powerful arm that just leaves balls a bit too high or long for his receivers. But this one is right on the money. He puts just enough touch on the ball for Bell to go up and get it. Bell finished with a career day: 6 receptions for 149 yards and this score.
No. 1: Milton throws his best downfield ball of the season to Johnson
What a catch by @CorneliusNation @UMichFootball takes one back! pic.twitter.com/JR2qLIpuxi
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 7, 2020
Down seven, it was crucial for Michigan to respond and not let this one get out of hand early. Milton winds up and throws his best deep ball of 2020 to a leaping Johnson in the endzone. The sophomore wideout finished with 81 receiving yards on four receptions in the loss.