The Michigan Wolverines handled business in Week 1, securing a 34-17 season-opening victory over the New Mexico Lobos in Ann Arbor. Both the offensive and defensive fronts impressed, and several young playmakers made their mark.
Let’s dive into the snap counts and grades from Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Five best offensive grades
Michigan’s five-star freshman quarterback wasted no time living up to the hype. Underwood earned the top overall grade on offense (79.9), posting a 77.7 passing grade while showing poise behind an offensive line that protected him well (80.1 team pass-blocking grade).
Tight end Marlin Klein was another standout, recording an 81.2 receiving grade to the tune of 96 yards and a touchdown — the highest mark among Wolverine pass catchers. Meanwhile, Max Bredeson and Justice Haynes both graded above 74.0, showing Michigan is still a dominant force on the ground.
Five worst offensive grades
The wide receiver depth remains a work in progress. Andrew Marsh (33.1) and Fredrick Moore (42.7) both struggled in limited action, though early growing pains are expected. Andrew Sprague (53.3) and Zack Marshall (61.0) also landed near the bottom, while Jordan Marshall (57.7) had a much tougher time breaking through the Lobos’ defensive front than his counterpart.
Five best defensive grades
The Wolverines’ front seven set the tone, holding New Mexico’s rushing attack to just 51 yards while registering an impressive 90.5 overall team grade in run defense. Alabama transfer Damon Payne Jr. was dominant in the trenches, finishing with an 82.8 overall grade and a team-leading 80.0 mark in run defense.
Linebacker Cole Sullivan also flashed with a 77.5 grade across 15 defensive snaps, while also turning in one of the best tackling grades (79.3). Meanwhile, safety Brandyn Hillman led all Michigan defensive backs with a 78.3 overall defensive grade, while freshman Jordan Young (90.0) showed flashes, finishing the night with the team’s highest overall grade of 90.0 across a sample size of nine snaps.
Five worst defensive grades
While most of Michigan’s defense impressed, a few rotational players — and one notable starter — had tougher outings. Edge rusher Lugard Edokpayi graded out at just 38.8 in limited snaps, while cornerback Jo’Ziah Edmond (46.5) struggled in coverage. Nate Marshall has some work to do in the eyes of PFF after posting a 56.7 overall grade, and Manuel Beigel (57.8) delivered a similarly below-average performance.
Veteran edge Derrick Moore (58.4) also had one of his quieter games, though he came just inches away from reaching the quarterback on several occasions and still finished with a solid 77.0 tackling grade.
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