Michigan Football: Players Of The Game In Win Against Minnesota

After another dominating performance, Michigan moved to 6-0 on the year. There were plenty of players who stood out on Saturday, but these six Wolverines were the best of the best.

For the second week in a row, the Wolverines locked in a dominant performance on the road. Fans were worried after the first four weeks what Michigan might look like this season after it appeared the Wolverines slept-walked their way to victories. But after a 52-10 win against Minnesota, it's clear that Michigan is the real deal. 

The Michigan defense was great. The Gophers had a few chunk runs, but Michigan never truly broke and the secondary didn't allow Athan Kaliakmanis to ever get going in the air -- other than the last-second touchdown throw at the end of the first half. The Wolverines had two pick-sixes for the first time since 2017 and Michigan flat out rolled to an easy victory. 

It was tough choosing players of the game after this dominating performance, but here are my three offensive and three defensive players of the game. 

Offense:

QB J.J. McCarthy

For the second week in a row, McCarthy was benched in the third quarter since Michigan had such a large lead. But during almost three-quarters of play, he was sensational. The junior quarterback went 14-for-20 for 219 yards and a score. But he also used his legs to score twice on the ground and he ran for an additional 17 yards. 

RB: Blake Corum

Corum didn't play a ton on Saturday night, but he made the most of it. Like every game he plays, Corum rushed for a touchdown to make number 10 this season. He carried the ball nine times for 69 yards and averaged 7.7 yards per carry against the Gophers. The senior was able to hit a 40-yard run and showcased his moves during that great run. 

RB Kalel Mullings

Don't look now, but Michigan has another good running back in the making. The power back ran the ball eight times on Saturday night and he made the most of his chances. Mullings rushed for 47 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry. When it comes to short-yardage runs, it looks like Mullings will be used more and more down the stretch and he looks much improved from a year ago. 

Defense:

DT Mason Graham

The big sophomore was back in the lineup on Saturday night after missing the past couple of games due to a hand injury. Graham had a hand all taped up but it didn't affect his play at all. In fact, Graham looked even better before he left. He was constantly in the backfield and beating his man off the snap. Graham finished the game with a team-high six tackles, one sack, and two TFLs

Edge Josaiah Stewart

Stewart had a nice two-sack performance last week against Nebraska and he didn't miss a beat against Minnesota. The Coastal Carolina transfer had another sack and looked just as good against the Gophers as he did last week against the Huskers. Stewart is quick to get off the ball and it allowed him to get another sack, three tackles, and 1.5 TFL

CB Will Johnson

Will Johnson got the onslaught started. 12 seconds into the game the sophomore nabbed an interception and took it back to the house for a touchdown. While he wasn't the only Michigan defensive back to record a pick-six (Keon Sabb), Johnson was the one who got it all rolling and he didn't allow much of anything to get caught his way. It looks liked the potential All-American is back to being fully healthy and is ready to go for the rest of the way.