Maize n Brew - Michigan Football 2016: Week One vs. HawaiiA Michigan Wolverine communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49241/mb-fv.png2016-09-06T09:00:03-05:00http://www.maizenbrew.com/rss/stream/124685832016-09-06T09:00:03-05:002016-09-06T09:00:03-05:00Inside the Numbers: Michigan 63, Hawaii 3
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A breakdown of the numbers from Michigan’s big win over Hawaii that are encouraging, concerning, and enlightening.</p> <p id="Nmv4H4">Last season, I shifted away from my “Inside the Numbers” column to devote more time to re-watching the Wolverines’ prior game and analyzing the game film. This season, I will be pivoting back to “Inside the Numbers” because of time constraints in other areas of my life. Simply, now with a full-time job unrelated to Michigan athletics, I do not have the time to review 120 plays at a reduced speed multiple times and then pen two columns that contain annotated screenshots breaking many of those plays down. Instead, I will use this weekly column to highlight stats, numbers, and nuggets from each game that I find encouraging, concerning, or just downright fascinating.</p>
<p id="1zzoQ9">And there were plenty from <a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2016/9/3/12785652/michigan-football-beats-hawaii-wilton-speight-chris-evans-channing-stribling-amara-darboh-jake-butt">the Wolverines’ 63-3 victory over Hawaii</a> in Week 1.</p>
<h3 id="vSMkdd">60</h3>
<p id="6Ag8Y0">Michigan’s 60-point win against Hawaii marked the Wolverines’ largest margin of victory since a 69-0 win against Northwestern in 1975. It was somewhat surprising to see Michigan tack on points at the rate it did on Saturday. Last season, the Wolverines tended to take their foot off the pedal after building big first-half leads, not beating an opponent by more than 38 points. However, against Hawaii, it did not matter whether the Wolverines had their first-, second, third-, or even fourth-stringers in because the Rainbow Warriors could not slow them down whatsoever. After Wilton Speight’s interception, Michigan scored a touchdown on each of its next seven drives, — it likely would have been eight straight if Michigan didn’t run out the clock — while Hawaii had one trip to Michigan’s red zone and needed a 55-yard field goal to score.</p>
<p id="SGPzSR">It was a dominant win — against an overmatched opponent — in every sense.</p>
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<h3 id="JlKCZU">231.38</h3>
<p id="HXzq7S">To those who have been paying attention, it wasn’t a surprise that quarterback Wilton Speight led the offense onto the field to open the 2016 season. But it probably was a shock to see him throw an interception just seconds later during Michigan’s first offensive play. However, Speight bounced back in strong fashion. He finished 10-of-13 (76.9%) for 145 yards (11.2 YPA), three touchdowns, and just that one pick. As a result, Speight tallied a quarterback rating of 231.38, which would be <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2016/leader/national/player/split01/category02/sort02.html">the fifth-best nationally and best in the Big Ten</a> if he qualified by attempting at least 15 passes against Hawaii:</p>
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<p id="aLtML5">Does that mean Speight will be a top-five quarterback in 2016? No, almost certainly not. He benefited by facing a Hawaii pass defense that was 107th in S&P+ last season and torched by Cal’s Davis Webb to the tune of 441 passing yards and four passing touchdown one week earlier. For example, Speight’s third touchdown pass was a wobbler to Amara Darboh, who was wide open after a Hawaii mental miscue. And most of his throws were simple as he took one deep shot, which fell incomplete while Jake Butt was alone underneath, and his longest completion (31 yards) was a screen pass. </p>
<p id="Ux1EeL">However, Speight managed the game well and had some throws that suggested Michigan will be fine at quarterback this season. He threw a tight 21-yard pass to Jehu Chesson on a post before tossing a perfect dime to Grant Perry on a corner route for a 12-yard touchdown. He also flashed some mobility when he evaded a Hawaii pass rusher, rolled to his left out of the pocket, and directed Maurice Ways to an open area for a 22-yard reception. Speight will need to continue to make plays like that — and more of them — especially when the opposing defenses become faster and better.</p>
<p id="PTAZG9">But, for now, it was a good first career start for Speight.</p>
<h3 id="0j8fdT">7.85</h3>
<p id="Q1aUW6">My biggest question mark for Michigan entering the season was how the run game would perform. However, after watching Cal’s big men maul Hawaii’s defensive line, I realized that we would have an answer only if the Wolverines struggled to move the ball on the ground against the Warriors. There was no struggle whatsoever. Michigan carried the ball 39 times for 306 rushing yards (7.85 YPC). This 7.85 average was the Wolverines’ best in a game under Jim Harbaugh and second-best since Denard Robinson was sprinting past defenses in Rich Rodriguez’s spread offense in 2010. The Wolverines were efficient on the ground against Hawaii. Only four of their 39 runs lost yardage (10.3%), and two of those were in the fourth quarter when they held a 56-3 lead. They were also explosive as 11 of their 39 carries gained at least 10 yards (28.2%). For comparison’s sake, only 47 of Michigan’s 491 carries in 2015 went at least 10 yards (9.6%), and only seven other teams had more 10-plus-yard runs in their first game. This was the type of performance needed to hint that the run will be improved in 2016.</p>
<p id="ZX0q4O">Of course, this was still just one game against a bad opponent. The best YPC Michigan has had in a game since 2010 was 9.72 ... against Appalachian State in 2014. And we know what happened the rest of that season. So, again, we don’t have an answer yet.</p>
<h3 id="PSW7M4">112</h3>
<p id="zWuawE">It would not be right to discuss Michigan’s performance on the ground against Hawaii without mentioning Chris Evans. The true freshman dazzled in his debut, earning eight carries for 112 yards (14.0 YPC) and two touchdowns. As <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelSpathITH/status/772134199650316289">Inside the Huddle’s Michael Spath reported</a>, it was the most rushing yards ever by a Michigan true freshman in a season opener. He was also the first Michigan true freshman to score two rushing touchdowns in game since Denard Robinson against Eastern Michigan in 2009 and the first Michigan true freshman running back to do it since Kevin Grady against Indiana in 2005. Evans posted those numbers because he demonstrated some traits that the Wolverines’ other running backs do not seem to possess. He was elusive, spinning off a Hawaii defender in the backfield and turning it into a seven-yard gain. He was explosive, bursting through an, albeit, large hole for a 43-yard touchdown that likely would have seen DeVeon Smith dragged down after 12 yards. He was decisive, reading his blocks and making quick cuts into the second level. Evans looks like he can be a great change-of-pace back for Michigan as well as a weapon as an H-back or in the slot. And, if so, he could continue to put up similar stats. All aboard the Evans’ hype train.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chris Evans made the most impressive debut by a freshman running back in <a href="https://twitter.com/UMichFootball">@UMichFootball</a> history. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBlue?src=hash">#GoBlue</a> 〽️ <a href="https://t.co/IpoJQ4gqpV">pic.twitter.com/IpoJQ4gqpV</a></p>— Michigan Athletics (@UMichAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/UMichAthletics/status/772883702783369216">September 5, 2016</a>
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<h3 id="DjsQGh">7-for-7</h3>
<p id="4ME3OX">Michigan’s offense excelled at staying ahead on down and distance against Hawaii, which is a major reason why the Wolverines scored touchdowns on seven straight possessions. The Wolverines picked up a large chunk of their first downs on first or second down, so only seven of their 59 snaps were on third down (11.9%). Because Michigan consistently moved forward on first and second down, its average third-down distance was only 3.7 yards, and Michigan never faced a third down longer than seven yards. That is how a team protects itself from dangerous situations in which a quarterback making his first career start has to complete difficult throws to keep the chains moving. And that is why the Wolverines always kept the chains moving, converting all seven of their third downs and never needing to punt to the Warriors. In fact, Michigan was the only team in Week 1 to convert 100 percent of its third downs. It will be interesting to see whether Michigan can continue to excel in this category.</p>
<h3 id="hDJ1fg">25:07</h3>
<p id="aQZe5C">Entering this season, there had been much talk regarding whether Michigan could contend for owning the nation’s best defense. It certainly seemed to be the case for the first 25:07 of Week 1 because that is how long it took Hawaii’s offense to earn its first first down against the Wolverines. The Warriors’ first six drives consisted of five three-and-outs and one interception that was returned for a touchdown. Even more impressive, through those first six drives, Michigan’s defense had held Hawaii to minus-two yards on 17 plays. So Hawaii would have been better on the scoreboard and in the yardage department if it had just spiked the ball three times and punted. The Warriors would find some success on their ensuing possession, recording 74 total yards on 12 plays by spreading out their receivers and attacking Channing Stribling in particular. However, by the time the third quarter had ended with Michigan holding a 56-0 advantage, Hawaii had only 141 total yards on 44 plays for a measly 3.2 yards per play.</p>
<p id="4900e6">And there is no question how Hawaii head coach Nick Rolovich feels:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hello <a href="https://t.co/glp16q2uho">pic.twitter.com/glp16q2uho</a></p>— Shawn L. Martin (@ShawnLMartin) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShawnLMartin/status/772887109153816577">September 5, 2016</a>
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<h3 id="dr8SyC"> 24, 8 & 4</h3>
<p id="O3FPQh">Last season, the weakest unit of Michigan’s defense undeniably was the linebackers, raising concerns because the Wolverines needed to replace the entire group this year. However, Michigan’s new trio of linebackers came out with a bang. WILL Mike McCray, Jr., MIKE Ben Gedeon, and SAM Jabrill Peppers were Michigan’s three leading tacklers against Hawaii, totaling 24 stops. However, what stood out even more was their attacking nature and presence in the backfield. The three combined for eight tackles for loss, four sacks, and a forced fumble. In one game. Last year, Michigan’s starting linebackers (Desmond Morgan, Joe Bolden, and James Ross III) combined for 14 tackles for loss and two sacks. That’s the entire season. Quite the difference. For his effort, McCray (9 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 FF) was <a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2016/9/5/12799924/michigan-wolverines-mike-mccray-named-big-ten-defensive-player-of-the-week-hawaii-warriors">named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week,</a> and, suddenly, Michigan seems to feel much better about its linebackers in 2016.</p>
<h3 id="RFeIp6">14</h3>
<p id="kewwHU">Last week, I wrote a column regarding <a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2016/8/31/12669150/inside-the-numbers-2016-is-the-year-michigan-wolverines-national-championship">the five characteristics that the previous 11 national champions shared and how they applied to Michigan this season</a>. The only one of the five traits that Michigan did not 100 percent possess was “Creative Scoring.” Almost all of the prior 11 national champions scored at least four non-offensive touchdowns in their championship season, but the Wolverines had only two in 2015 and were near the bottom of the national leaderboard in takeaways. However, turnovers are volatile, and Michigan got off to a hot start in the “Creative Scoring” department on Saturday. Both Delano Hill and Channing Stribling intercepted Hawaii passes and housed them, providing Michigan with two non-offensive touchdowns and 14 non-offensive points in just Week 1. It was the first time that the Wolverines had scored two defensive touchdowns in a game since “The Brandon Herron Game” against Western Michigan in 2011 and just the <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelSpathITH/status/772137110899924992">fourth</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelSpathITH/status/772140079896752133">time</a> in program history to have two pick-sixes in the same game (1975 Northwestern, 1998 Eastern Michigan, and 1999 Arkansas). If Michigan’s defense can generate turnovers, good luck finding a flaw.</p>
<h3 id="TpFK5M">3-4</h3>
<p id="M6Awx2">Michigan defensive linemen Taco Charlton and Bryan Mone exited the Hawaii game with injuries. Charlton was seen writhing in what appeared to be a lot of pain after having his leg rolled up on, while Mone was escorted to the locker room after suffering an undisclosed injury. On Monday, Jim Harbaugh shared with the media that he didn’t think <a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2016/9/5/12800850/bryan-mone-and-taco-charlton-are-unlikely-to-play-against-central-florida-michigan-wolverines">“either one will be available this week.”</a> However, for those seeking a clearer answer, The Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb reported that his “gut” tells him that both <a href="http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=162&f=1088&t=14936684">Charlton and Mone will be out for a 3-4 week timeline ($)</a>. If accurate, this is relatively good news for the Wolverines. It’s relative because Michigan would prefer that neither be injured whatsoever. However, the immediate speculation that their injuries could be severe -- maybe season-ending — was concerning because the depth of Michigan’s defensive line was tested in 2015 due to injuries and ultimately wore down. Michigan doesn’t want to go down that road again. That Charlton and Mone could be back for the start of the Big Ten season should cause Michigan fans to exhale and breathe.</p>
<h3 id="Ypjlwx">17</h3>
<p id="NvwuBp">You may have heard that Michigan played 17 true freshmen in the opener, <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelSpathITH/status/772181379497025536">setting a program record for the most played in a season</a>. We at Maize n Brew reported it in our post-game coverage, and all three of <a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2016/9/3/12786686/michigan-football-hawaii-takeaways-chris-evans-wilton-speight-jabrill-peppers-rashan-gary">Anthony Broome</a>, Lance Gordon, and new addition Mark Lennox have opined about it in some capacity. Jim Harbaugh has made it crystal clear that the best players will play regardless of age or experience. It is hard to fault someone for believing in and practicing a meritocracy, but Michigan fans have in the past, blaming Brady Hoke for wasting the redshirts of Dymonte Thomas, Taco Charlton, and others that had a steeper development curve. In many instances, I agreed with Harbaugh’s decision to play a true freshman on Saturday. The Wolverines likely will lose a vast amount of talent to the NFL and graduation in the offseason, and Harbaugh will want members of his heralded 2016 class to have playing experience before 2017. On the other hand, I am having a difficult time understanding the need to play Sean McKeon, Kingston Davis, or Josh Uche — lower-rated freshmen buried on the depth chart and could use that extra year to mold their bodies or improve their football IQ. It’s unlikely that they will see many snaps this season, and their services would be more useful to Michigan as fifth-year seniors in 2020. I am a believer in redshirting and think that it is beneficial to have an older, more mature team — just look at Michigan State and Wisconsin in recent seasons. However, until there is evidence that Harbaugh’s tactics are not effective and not leading to wins, his tactics will not be challenged.</p>
https://www.maizenbrew.com/2016/9/6/12805042/inside-the-numbers-michigan-wolverines-63-hawaii-rainbow-warriors-3Drew Hallett2016-09-05T11:09:29-05:002016-09-05T11:09:29-05:00Michigan LB Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Michigan’s linebacker is named the conference’s top defender in Week 1 after tallying 3.5 TFL, two sacks, and a forced fumble.</p> <p id="Wmmnf1">Some considered <a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2016/8/11/12434822/michigan-football-five-breakout-players-defense-2016-charlton-mone-mccray-stribling-thomas">Michigan’s Mike McCray to be in store for a breakout season</a> after being sidelined with an assortment of injuries that past two seasons. It took only one game for the redshirt junior linebacker to lend some credence to that consideration.</p>
<p id="WyIqQQ">McCray was named <a href="https://twitter.com/B1Gfootball/status/772805797185064961">the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week</a> for the team-leading nine tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and forced fumble that he generated in <a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2016/9/3/12785652/michigan-football-beats-hawaii-wilton-speight-chris-evans-channing-stribling-amara-darboh-jake-butt">Michigan’s 63-3 win over Hawaii</a> in Week 1. McCray spearheaded a Michigan defense that was dominant against the Warriors as the Wolverines allowed only three points and 232 total yards. It wasn’t until just past the midway point of the second quarter that Hawaii was able to attain its first first down and stay on the positive side of total yards. And that was because McCray had a consistent presence in Hawaii’s backfield.</p>
<p id="2Ys75J">This is the first time that McCray has received a weekly Big Ten award, and it’s the first Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week given to a Wolverine since Jourdan Lewis took one home after he housed an interception against Northwestern last season. </p>
https://www.maizenbrew.com/2016/9/5/12799924/michigan-wolverines-mike-mccray-named-big-ten-defensive-player-of-the-week-hawaii-warriorsDrew Hallett2016-09-04T09:44:34-05:002016-09-04T09:44:34-05:00Michigan vs. Hawaii: Game Balls
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<figcaption>Dustin Johnston / @DJPhotoVideo</figcaption>
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<p>Taking a look at the three guys who stood out on offense, defense and special teams in Michigan’s season opener.</p> <p id="ssMSJ2">Almost everything went right for Michigan <a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2016/9/3/12785652/michigan-football-beats-hawaii-wilton-speight-chris-evans-channing-stribling-amara-darboh-jake-butt">in its 63-3 win over Hawaii</a> on Saturday afternoon, meaning there was no shortage of standout performances.</p>
<p id="Lx0Owd">Let’s hand out some game balls:</p>
<h1 id="zVHDJl">Offense</h1>
<h3 id="zFUJVg">Freshman Running Back Chris Evans</h3>
<p id="EHerws"><strong>Stats:</strong> Eight carries, 112 yards, two touchdowns</p>
<p id="NA0quU">Evans was arguably the star of the win over Hawaii. He had an excellent debut and showed why he will be valuable to the Wolverines in the run game.</p>
<p id="ArKGUP">Evans was hailed as a player in camp to watch and it was good to see him back up the hype in game action. He is a gamebreaker and it will be interesting to see how Michigan incorporates him into the offense going forward.</p>
<h1 id="qaXxTB">Defense</h1>
<h3 id="0Pvr4k">Redshirt Junior Mike McCray</h3>
<p id="cU1DTw"><strong>Stats:</strong> 7.5 total tackles (3.5 for loss), two sacks, forced fumble</p>
<p id="E76wOy">Linebacker was one of Michigan’s question marks coming into the season, but they performed well in the first game of the year, headlined by the performance of McCray.</p>
<p id="7lJ8Bi">He has had a hard time staying on the field due to injuries, but is expected to be a big part of the defense this season. Don Brown is going to blitz, and blitz he did on Saturday. McCray was up to the challenge and played very well.</p>
<h1 id="5WOOBX">Special Teams</h1>
<h3 id="eZARJ0">Redshirt Sophomore Jabrill Peppers</h3>
<p id="i4y7sw">Peppers could have very easily been in the spot that McCray is with his debut at linebacker for the Wolverines, but on a day where there were hardly any fireworks on special teams, he provided them on his own on a return that ultimately did not even end up counting because of a penalty.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jabrill Peppers is electrifying. Nuff said. <a href="https://t.co/6DpvlHASPj">pic.twitter.com/6DpvlHASPj</a></p>— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanPetzold/status/772109913535512576">September 3, 2016</a>
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<h1 id="YrAdoz">Honorable Mention</h1>
<h3 id="wCVRJw">The Freshman 15 (Er...17)</h3>
<p id="fkSPA3">The class of 2016 has long been touted as a group that would pay early dividends for Michigan as soon as they hit campus, and Saturday backed that up. Harbaugh played 17 true freshman against Hawaii, most in reserve roles, but that is still extremely important.</p>
<p id="jMB1Ci">They have players like Evans and Rashan Gary, among others, who will be important pieces in year one, but they are not going to overly rely on freshmen this season. That bodes well for both now and in the future, as the reps will not only help the team this season but also help them gain experience for the seasons moving forward.</p>
https://www.maizenbrew.com/2016/9/4/12791628/michigan-vs-hawaii-game-balls-chris-evans-mike-mccray-jabrill-peppers-rashan-gary-don-brownAnthony Broome2016-09-03T20:10:07-05:002016-09-03T20:10:07-05:00Jourdan Lewis, De’Veon Smith, Maurice Hurst, Ben Braden will return, Bryan Mone needs MRI
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Defensive end Taco Charlton has an ankle injury, but the severity is unknown. </p> <p id="MbRy5e">During the 63-3 defeat of Hawaii, the Michigan Wolverines did not play two starters and had a handful of athletes go down with injury. </p>
<p id="8qhJIV">Cornerback Jourdan Lewis and left guard Ben Braden did not play. It was Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh’s choice to keep Lewis out of the game. However, the duo should be back in action next week. </p>
<p id="MbhSNY">"That was my decision not to play Jourdan today," Harbaugh said. "He's been working through something the last couple weeks and it's healed. It really is. He's done a marvelous job getting himself ready to play but my decision not to play him in this ballgame. Same with Ben Braden."</p>
<p id="dAgjtF">Defensive end Taco Charlton, running back De’Veon Smith, nose tackle Bryan Mone were all injured during the game. </p>
<p id="iR2Atf">"We'll see how serious it is," Harbaugh said, regarding the injury to the defensive end. </p>
<p id="tzpeDf">Charlton walked off on his own power, but was limping. With 19 seconds left in the first half, he departed to the locker room and did not return for the second half of play. </p>
<p id="Ep7Uuq">Smith ran six times for 27 yards, but left the game with bruised ribs. The starting running back returned, then left after the injury was too much to handle. </p>
<p id="x2Vmw2">During summer camp last year, Mone broke his left and missed the 2015 season. Mone went out with an undisclosed injury in the blowout of Hawaii and will undergo an MRI to determine the severity. </p>
<p id="sRxcfe">“We will see where he stands,” Harbaugh said. </p>
<p id="SD6TfS">Maurice Hurst, a defensive tackle, missed the game. </p>
<p id="AxlEmI">"Very close to playing, my decision to not play him in this game, want to make sure he's completely healed up and he should be next week," Harbaugh said.</p>
<p id="EZg7Uq">Linebacker Noah Furbush was on the sidelines, but had street clothes on and a brace on his right leg. Meanwhile, runnings backs Drake Johnson and Kareem Walker did not dress. </p>
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https://www.maizenbrew.com/2016/9/3/12788580/jourdan-lewis-de-veon-smith-maurice-hurst-ben-braden-will-return-bryan-mone-needs-mri-taco-charltonEvan Petzold2016-09-03T16:34:20-05:002016-09-03T16:34:20-05:00Jim Harbaugh plays 17 true freshmen against Hawaii
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<figcaption>Dustin Johnston</figcaption>
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<p>2016 No. 1 prospect Rashan Gary made three tackles and one solo tackle. </p> <p id="Yout8Z">Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh tossed in 17 true freshmen during the 63-3 win over Hawaii on Saturday. </p>
<p id="PGkYog">“It’s been coming for weeks now,” Harbaugh said. “The last three weeks there was seven-to-eight that really earned it and knew that they were going to be in the two-deep. Less than a week later, I thought that number was up to 10. Then another week and it was up again and then finally I said it would be 17-20 when it’s all said and done with the way its going. They’ve earned it.”</p>
<p id="zGiC3B">Devin Bush, Rashan Gary, Khaleke Hudson, Eddie McDoom, Chris Evans, Ben Bredeson, Devin Asiasi, David Long, Jose Uche, Michael Dwumfour, Kekoa Crawford, Sean McKeon, Michael Onwenu, Lavert Hill, Carl Myers, Josh Metellus and Kingston Davis got time on the field. </p>
<p id="0Xtcy7">Evans quickly made a name for himself, as the running back took off eight times for 112 yards and two touchdowns. </p>
<p id="itk1Rn">“I knew Chris Evans was special,” Harbaugh said. “What you saw today was what we have seen in practice for the last month. He is a special football player, but you really didn’t get to see everything he can do. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, he can line up as a receiver, we will see that in the near future, he can play as a punt returner and a kick returner. He is a very special player.</p>
<p id="WhkPHd">“I expect big things going forward. He can do everything you would want a back to do. He blocks, he runs the ball between the tackles, he can run on the edge, he can catch the ball out of the backfield and he is a very good contributor on special teams. In a lot of ways, he will be used.”</p>
<p id="kx113p">McDoom carried the ball twice for 34 yards and caught two passes for 15 yards. Davis had two rushes for 17 yards. </p>
<p id="wRQ0dB">Gary, the 2016 No. 1 prospect, made three tackles, of which one was a solo tackle. Bush made two tackles and Hudson made one. Dwumfour made two tackles and one for a loss. Hill had a pass breakup, while Uche had a quarterback hit. </p>
https://www.maizenbrew.com/2016/9/3/12787330/jim-harbaugh-plays-17-true-freshmen-hawaii-chris-evans-rashan-gary-eddie-mcdoomEvan Petzold2016-09-03T16:13:08-05:002016-09-03T16:13:08-05:00Takeaways from Michigan Football’s 63-3 Win over Hawaii
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<figcaption>Dustin Johnston / @DJPhotoVideo</figcaption>
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<p>There’s a youth movement going on in Ann Arbor.</p> <p id="uo9CvK">Michigan football notched its first victory of the season on Saturday afternoon against Hawaii by a score of 63-3. They came into the game as a heavy favorite and played like one throughout.</p>
<p id="OfoDll">The seventh-ranked Wolverines are still a few weeks away from facing a stiff test, but they made quick work of the Warriors in Ann Arbor. Here are some takeaways:</p>
<h3 id="4RQL2I">Evans Impresses</h3>
<p id="cXnjbT">Throughout camp, freshman running back Chris Evans was cited as a first-year player that could make some noise in year one. He backed it up in his first collegiate game, rushing for 112 yards on eight attempts with two touchdowns of 18 and 43 yards, respectively.</p>
<p id="QCwSZM">De’Veon Smith left the game early, but still should be the team’s “lead” back throughout the year. Evans brings something to the running back corps that the Wolverines do not really have as a home run threat and pass catcher. He makes plays with the ball in his hands and to see how his role develops as the year goes on will be something to keep an eye on. He could be the change of pace that the backs have been looking for.</p>
<h3 id="zbTPGD">Freshman Contributions</h3>
<p id="tPReGn">Evans was one of many freshman to see the field on Saturday afternoon. Jim Harbaugh said throughout camp that the 2016 recruiting class would have a chance to impact things early at Michigan and they definitely did with 17 members playing on Saturday afternoon.</p>
<p id="0CHeTL">The Wolverines returned a ton of talent from last season, but the new blood is already paying dividends as a shot in the arm for the team. Yes, it is Hawaii, but the more seasoning these young players get, the better. Some will see the field more than others throughout the year, but any reps are good reps moving forward.</p>
<h3 id="s9bAuv">Speight Settles In</h3>
<p id="QR0Avu">Wilton Speight had about a bad as start in a single play that one could imagine for a collegiate debut. He threw an interception on Michigan’s first offensive snap, but from there settled in nicely and finished the day 10-of-13 with 145 yards and three touchdown passes.</p>
<p id="Xrwmsl">Harbaugh said after the game that the most important thing he could have seen from Speight was how he responded after the interception, and the adversity that followed was a tall task, as well. Michigan started the following drive from their own two-yard line. From there, Speight led the team on a 98-yard scoring drive capped off by a 12-yard strike to Grant Perry.</p>
<p id="El5fdq">Speight certainly looked like he had some butterflies early on, but he was efficient the rest of the day. He has some things to improve, but now that his performance is on tape he can re-tool and fix things from there.</p>
<h3 id="tF2QCy">Linebacker Play</h3>
<p id="ATWLDk">Michigan lost all three of its starting linebackers from last season and came into 2016 with a new defensive scheme, but Jabrill Peppers, Mike McCray and Ben Gedeon all played great games and showed off the blitzing ability that Don Brown wants on his defense.</p>
<p id="wQIIUE">The four sacks that Michigan had on the day all came from the above three names with two of them credited to McCray, who also forced a fumble. We will have to wait and see how they do against higher-powered offenses, but at least for now, it appears they are in good shape at the position.</p>
<h3 id="HJi9fs">Not Playing Around</h3>
<p id="TMnAUq">The Wolverines came in as a huge favorite today and played like one, crushing Hawaii by 60 points. It can sometimes be difficult for a team to take an inferior opponent seriously, but the Wolverines outperformed them in every phase of the game and did what a team in their position should have.</p>
<p id="PMzjrC">It is still possible to be impressive while doing what is expected, and Michigan did just that. They had 512 yards of total offense and smothered Hawaii offensively. </p>
<p id="kmGhTR">That is not to say that in the coming weeks, they will not look shaky at times. This is the part of the season to adjust and improve and the schedule sets up for that. We will see how they come out next weekend against UCF.</p>
<p id="qvHvqo"><em>What did you take from today’s game? Sound off in the comments below!</em></p>
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https://www.maizenbrew.com/2016/9/3/12786686/michigan-football-hawaii-takeaways-chris-evans-wilton-speight-jabrill-peppers-rashan-garyAnthony Broome2016-09-03T16:01:28-05:002016-09-03T16:01:28-05:00Michigan upperclassmen not surprised by true freshman Chris Evans’ performance
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Michigan true freshman Chris Evans scored two touchdowns for the Wolverines against Hawaii. </p> <p id="z1xjnO">Michigan true freshman running back Chris Evans broke out for 112 yards and two touchdowns in the 63-3 victory against Hawaii.</p>
<p id="L5f9wv">Linebacker Mike McCray and quarterback Wilton Speight had positive things to say about the young athlete during the post game press conference. </p>
<p id="M8cygn">“For me, it didn't surprise me at all,” McCray said. “Going against him and all the other running backs everyday and seeing him practice everyday, I kind of expected it to happen. He’s a great player and a real humble kid and he’s going to be pretty good.”</p>
<p id="pD01aU">The first of two touchdowns for Evans came on a 18-yard carry, which included a dive for the pylon. The score gave Michigan a 35-0 lead over Hawaii with 6:07 left in the second quarter. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Touchdown, Michigan!<br>Freshman RB Chris Evans with his first career touchdown to give Michigan a 35-0 lead. <a href="https://t.co/RnCHZPeuoa">pic.twitter.com/RnCHZPeuoa</a></p>— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanPetzold/status/772121373888155652">September 3, 2016</a>
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<p id="4gVc7b">“On the first day of camp, he was making plays,” Speight said. “I didn't even know much about him. I knew he was just a recruited kid from Indiana. After two days of training camp, we all knew who Chris Evans was. The best part about it is that he doesn't let anything get to his head. He just goes about his business.”</p>
<p id="plXEoB">The second touchdown, which came with 13:44 left in the third quarter, was much easier. Evans was given a huge hole and found the end zone from 43 yards out with his burst of speed to give Michigan a 42-point lead. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Touchdown, Michigan!<br>Chris Evans with a 43-yard carry to give Michigan a 42-0 lead over Hawaii. <a href="https://t.co/768Y8YpQ4s">pic.twitter.com/768Y8YpQ4s</a></p>— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanPetzold/status/772132895016312832">September 3, 2016</a>
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https://www.maizenbrew.com/2016/9/3/12786712/michigan-upperclassman-not-surprised-by-true-freshman-chris-evans-performanceEvan Petzold