The Michigan Wolverines ended the 2024 season in style with a 19-13 victory over the No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide.
The Wolverines performed well even without several starters due to opt-outs or draft preparation. Jalen Milroe and the Alabama offense had three giveaways in the first 10 plays, and Michigan wasted no time scoring 16 early points. The defense took over from there, shutting down the Tide and securing the upset.
There’s a lot to unpack, so let’s break it all down using this week’s Pro Football Focus (PFF) data.
Offensive snaps
Andrew Sprague – 67
Evan Link – 67
Giovanni El Hadi – 67
Greg Crippen – 67
Josh Priebe – 67
Fredrick Moore – 46
Jordan Marshall – 42
Peyton O’Leary – 40
Semaj Morgan – 39
Marlin Klein – 39
Davis Warren – 39
Max Bredeson – 34
Benjamin Hall – 30
Alex Orji – 28
Hogan Hansen – 21
Kendrick Bell – 21
Channing Goodwin – 18
Joe Taylor – 5
Highest rating 5 stars (minimum 10 snaps played)
Davis Warren – 82.4
Jordan Marshall – 78.7
Fredrick Moore – 71.3
Marlin Klein – 63.4
Andrew Sprague – 63.3
For those following Michigan’s offensive line, Tuesday’s lesson was undeniable. That said, Andrew Sprague is a rising star for the Wolverines. Sprague played 67 snaps against Alabama and finished the game as one of Michigan’s top offensive players, earning an overall grade of 63.3 points. His 63.2 run blocking grade was the best on the team and helped pave the way for Jordan Marshall’s 100-yard rushing performance and Michigan’s key win.
As for Marshall, Michigan’s rising RB1 had his moment in the spotlight, finishing as the second-highest graded player on the team with an impressive 78.7 overall grade. The true freshman displayed his versatility, earning a rushing grade of 80.6 and a solid pass blocking grade of 78.9, proving he is ready to lead the University of Michigan’s backfield.
Worst 5 ratings
Hogan Hansen – 41.9
Greg Crippen – 44.4
Alex Orge – 46.4
Giovanni El Hadi – 47.2
Kendrick Bell – 50.1
Surprisingly, Hogan Hansen has been a less important factor than expected since Colston Loveland was injured against Northwestern. The freshman tight end has logged just two catches on 61 snaps over the past three games, and has struggled with less-than-desirable run-blocking performances along the way. These are small growing pains for Hansen, and he’s sure to improve as he gains experience.
Number of snaps on defense
Zeke Berry – 63
Quinten Johnson – 55
Aamir Hall – 53
TJ Guy – 52
Wesley Walker – 52
Derrick Moore – 47
Ernest Hausmann – 46
Rayshawn Benny – 44
Trey Pierce – 38
Brandin Hillman – 37
Cameron Blunt – 35
Jayshawn Barham – 30
Gyre Hill – 28
Inau Etta – 25
Ike Evanna – 21
Mason Curtis – 17
Jimmy Rolder – 16
Jadon Hood – 13
Josia Edmond – 10
Dominic Nichols – 7
Keshawn Bennett – 4
Best 5 grades (minimum 10 snaps played)
Wesley Walker – 82.6
Aamir Hall – 78.8
Gyre Hill – 75.9
Rayshawn Benny – 73.6
Jimmy Rolder – 72.5
The University of Michigan’s secondary has been at its best in the final weeks of the season, and Tuesday’s Lilliaquest Bowl was no exception. Wesley Walker had his best performance as a Wolverine, scoring Jalen Milroe and forcing a key turnover. Walker also led the team with an 83.9 coverage grade, 83.5 tackle grade, and 82.6 overall defensive grade.
Amir Hall also made his presence felt, forcing a fumble on a blitz that was recovered by sophomore edge rusher Cameron Blount. Hall posted a team-best pass rush grade of 82.6 and added a tackle grade of 81.8, joining an elite tackling effort that includes Walker (83.5), Ernest Hausman (82.5) and Brandin Hillman (81.5). .
worst five grades
Jadon Hood – 46.4
Jayshawn Barham – 50.0
Josia Edmond – 50.3
Ike Evanna – 53.9
Trey Pierce – 54.4
It’s hard to criticize the Michigan defense’s performance against an Alabama team that featured most of its starting lineup. However, PFF gave Trey Pierce, Ike Iwana, Joziah Edmonds and Jayshawn Barham an unforgiving rating of less than 30.0 tackle ratings. Still, aside from Pierce and Barham, most of Michigan’s defensive starters had solid performances overall this week.
