PFF Performance Analysis, Snap Counts, Trends: Michigan vs. Iowa

Over the weekend, Michigan was on the street for the primary time in 2022 contained in the unfriendly confines of Kinnick Stadium, a spot the place the Wolverines hadn’t gained since 2005. Jim Harbaugh and Co. rolled into Iowa Metropolis with confidence and blasted again to Ann Arbor nonetheless unblemished at 5-0. Regardless that Iowa boasted the No. 1 protection within the nation forward of Saturday’s matchup, Michigan was very properly ready and beat the Hawkeyes 27-14. Listed here are the issues price when dissecting the sport snap by snap.

PFF High Performers (15 Snap Minimal)

Offense

1. Blake Corum (82.3)

Corum was incredible once more carrying the ball 29 occasions for 133 yards and a rating. He additionally caught two balls for 9 yards and greater than held his personal as a go blocker. Corum performed a whopping 50-of-67 snaps, which is loads for a working again, and did nearly all the things proper whereas on the sphere.

2. Trente Jones (76.3)

Jones performed all 67 offensive snaps and was stable throughout the board. He was in the best spot on the proper time and did not make many errors in any respect whether or not he was go blocking or getting a push within the run recreation.

3. Olu Oluwatimi (72.8)

I may just about write the very same factor for Olu as I did for Jones. The veteran switch heart was good throughout the board and did job as a go blocker and within the run recreation. He additionally performed each single offensive snap.

Protection

1. Mike Morris (80.4)

Cash Mike was incredible towards the Hawkeyes. He completed the day with 4 whole quarterback pressures and two sacks. He additionally did a very nice job by way of being in place on working performs per PFF.

2. Jaylen Harrell (75.2)

Harrell was additionally stable towards Iowa with three tackles of his personal and loads of exercise across the quarterback. He was actually good within the “conventional” roles as an edge rusher but in addition graded out properly as a canopy man, which is one thing he is doing increasingly of.

3. Eyabi Okie (73.1)

Okie completed the day with three tackles and half a sack, together with the one which primarily ended the sport for the Hawkeyes. He graded out properly, flashed on the sphere and likewise, and maybe most notably, performed 27 snaps, which is just about on par with Harrell’s 39, Morris’ 32 and is greater than Taylor Upshaw’s 18.

PFF Backside Dwellers (15 Snap Minimal)

Offense

1. Joel Honigford (43.8)

The offensive lineman-turned-tight finish struggled a bit towards Iowa as a run blocker. He was a lot better on passing performs, however while you’re the weak hyperlink as a run blocker on a given day, it tends to face out a bit.

2. Cornelius Johnson (52.2)

Johnson performed 55 snaps, greater than another huge receiver, however was not focused. That would converse to him not getting open or it might be that the quarterback is solely not trying his manner. Nonetheless it occurred, that is loads of enjoying time and not using a likelihood to catch a ball.  

3. Trevor Keegan (59.1)

Keegan was again from damage and should have been feeling the results from his damage a bit? He was extraordinarily stable in go professional however struggled some as a run blocker, which is not regular for him. On word, he did play all 67 snaps after lacking time resulting from damage.

Protection

1. Mike Sainristil (39.0)

For the primary time this season, Sainristil didn’t grade out properly. Per PFF, Sainristil was nice by way of positioning towards the run and as a go rusher, however actually struggled as a tackler and in protection. If the numbers are right, Sainristil missed no less than one deal with and gave up three receptions on 5 targets.

2. Junior Colson (46.1)

Colson has additionally been fairly stable all yr, however not essentially towards Iowa, per PFF. As I identified in my Three Up/Three Down article, Colson was out of place a number of occasions in protection and that is mirrored in his 39.9 protection grade. The sophomore backer was focused six occasions and all six have been caught for 84 yards.

3. DJ Turner (56.3)

But one other participant we’re used to seeing on the high of the grading scale, Turner finds himself close to the underside after giving up a 19-yard catch. PFF graded Turner harshly as a canopy man and as a defender normally. 

Freshmen Contributors (Snap Rely)

1. Mason Graham (30)

2. Will Johnson (15)

3. Colston Loveland (7)

4. Jimmy Rolder (7)

5. Darrius Clemons (6)

6. Derrick Moore (6)

7. Kenneth Grant (1)

Whole Snap Counts

Notes

• Andrel Anthony was really the second-highest graded participant on offense (82.2), however he performed simply 11 snaps on the day. He completed the day with only one catch for 29 yards.

• Clearly the rotation is getting tighter and tighter as Huge Ten play continues. Solely 40 gamers performed within the recreation and of that 40, solely seven have been true freshmen. At this level within the season, the freshmen who aren’t going to redshirt are probably those listed above and nonetheless enjoying.

• It looks like Blake Corum is getting stronger and stronger. He has carried the ball 59 occasions over the previous two video games and is grading out properly week in and week out. As Jim Harbaugh stated earlier within the week, Corum is a five-tool again. He is doing all of it and doing it properly.

• Donovan Edwards clearly seemed wholesome as he performed and scored a landing, however he performed solely 18 snaps within the recreation. It isn’t a problem if Corum is consuming like he has been, however Edwards is certainly a weapon that might be utilized extra usually. 

• Mazi Smith paced the protection with 57 snaps performed. That’s extremely spectacular for a 340-pound nostril deal with particularly contemplating what he does on a snap-by-snap foundation. Smith is routinely consuming up double groups, filling gaps and battling with different 300 pounders. For him to play extra snaps than anybody else on the protection is extraordinarily noteworthy.