By Steve “Dr. Sap” Sapardanis
This year’s schedule has been, and will prove to be, beneficial to the Maize & Blue as the Rutgers game couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. A win is a win and with that, let’s get to your Scarlet Knight Champions:
OFFENSIVE CHAMPION: I’ve always maintained that the quarterback has to be the guts and glue of the offense. Yesterday, Shea Patterson did his best Rick Leach imitation as he ran for 3 TDs and passed for one more. Granted, Rutgers is the 1970s equivalent of Northwestern, but the offense did what it needed to do and that was score touchdowns and not field goals. Patterson looked much more comfortable running the offense and that confidence-builder comes at a perfect time with Iowa on the schedule next week.
DEFENSIVE CHAMPION: A great defense always starts with a good push & penetration from the D-Line. Kwity Paye led the way with 3.5 TFLs and 6 total tackles against Rutgers. Pressure from Paye is key to Don Brown’s attacking defense. Paye reminded me of Thomas Seabron and certainly made good on Dr. Blitz’s mantra of: MAKE THEM FEEL YOU!
Hopefully 19 saved a few TFL’s for next week!
SPECIAL TEAMS: I love how Daxton Hill is making an impact on special teams. The way he lit up the Rutgers punt returner in the first half was a great sign that all three phases of the Michigan football team came ready to play. Aggressive & hard-hitting plays on special teams provide a boost to the D when they take the field & it sounded like that type of intensity was rehearsed this week in practice. Duly noted and…helmet sticker for you #30!
