Here are the Decal Champions for week 10 by Steve “Dr. Sap” Sapardanis:
OFFENSIVE CHAMPION – After coming off an emotional win against your in-state rival, this game with Maryland had all the makings of a trap game if Michigan was looking ahead to Iowa on the road next week. So how did the Wolverines respond? They pulled an Arby’s and went Five for 5 on their first half possessions and ended any speculation about an emotional let-down or an eye on the Hawkeyes. Bob Ufer used to say, “Victory has a thousand fathers, while defeat is an orphan.” While there is plenty of credit to be spread around for this win, I will start with Wilton Speight. My gosh does he look in command! He is making all the throws and even channeled a little Ricky Leach by running/jumping for a touchdown:
Artwork: @candor_for_sale (inspired by E. Upchurch photo)
DEFENSIVE CHAMPION – I thought Ben Gedeon matched up well against the Terrapins in the run game and made some big stops to end a couple of Maryland drives. That appears to be his strong suit so hopefully #42 can start to settle in and continue to do that for the balance of the year. The Michigan Defense is going to need him down the stretch.
SPECIAL TEAMS CHAMPION – Once again, Kenny Allen was solid in everything he did. Nice to have him back to his old, reliable self. Upsets typically happen because the favored teams make mistakes that allow the underdogs to stay in the game and make a big play. Those plays typically happen in the kicking game, but #91 is rock-solid right now and not allowing that to happen.
COACHING CHAMPION – Think back to all those times we all criticized the previous Michigan coaching staffs for being too predictable on offense. Whether it was personnel, or down and distance, it seemed liked we ALL knew what play was going to be run when say, Carl Tabb came into the game (running play), or whoever. As I watched the Wolverine offense execute on Saturday, I was amazed at how creative, and different each play and drive was. When you thought they would run on 3rd or 4th & short, the Michigan offensive coaches threw the ball. They totally kept Maryland of guard and, save the one pass play to Jabrill Peppers on 4th down, they were almost perfect on Saturday. I get it – Maryland is still a basketball school – but the Maize and Blue did not play down to their competition – another trait of the Michigan offense that the coaches have instilled on them.
UNIFORM CHAMPION – Last week he wore #95 and this week he wore #10. What number will Juwann Bushell-Beatty wear next week? At this rate, he is on track set the record for most numbers worn by a Wolverine in a career (3) in just one season.
HONORARY CAPTAIN – Gotta give it up to my man, Rick Leach. It was great to see the Guts and Glue of the Maize and Blue back on Canham’s Carpet, er, Hackett’s Rug on Saturday! Nice to see some of the older players who re-built the Michigan Football Program during the Schembechler Years get recognized. Don’t take what these guys did for granted – they were warriors and paid the price to build a foundation of excellence that we all enjoy to this day. Also nice to see ESPN show Leach’s TD run against Duke in 1977. You know – the one where 13-year old Jimmy Harbaugh jumps on #7’s back in the endzone.
I wonder where they got that clip??? :)
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Week 1: Chris Evans (Offense), D: Mike McCray (Defense), Jabrill Peppers (Special Teams), Don Brown (Coach), Michigan helmet (Uniform)
Week 2: Wilton Speight (O), Jabrill Peppers (O), Tyree Kinnel/Chris Wormley (ST), Chris Partridge (C), Soles of shoes (Uni)
Week 3: Jake Butt (O), Jabrill Peppers (D), Jabrill Peppers (ST), Don Brown (C), Helmet Stickers (Uni)
Week 4: De’Veon Smith (O), Maurice Hurst (D), Kenny Allen (ST), Greg Mattison (C), #26 White Shoe Laces (Uni)
Week 5: Wilton Speight & Amara Darboh (O), Channing Stribling (D), Jourdan Lewis (ST), Jay Harbaugh (C), Jumpman do-rag (Uni)
Week 6: Jabrill Peppers (O), (D), (ST), Entire Staff (C), White socks (Uni)
Week 7: Khalid Hill (O), Rashan Gary (D), Khaleke Hudson (ST), Coach Tyrone Wheatley (C), blue socks (Uni)
Week 8: Amarah Darboh and Wilton Speight (O), Jabrill Peppers and Jourdan Lewis (D), Kenny Allen (ST), Jim Harbaugh (C), white Jumpman Towels (Uni)
Week 9: Wilton Speight (O), Ben Gedeon (D), Kenny Allen (ST), Offensive coaches (C), Juwann Bushell-Beatty and his roaming jersey # (Uni), Ricky Leach
