Steve “Dr. Sap” Sapardanis is a Schembechler-era savant and once again he’ll be diligently handing out his postgame helmet stickers after each game. Sap has pored over hours and hours of U-M games over several decades, and in these posts he’s able to tie the present to the past. I encourage you to subscribe to Dr. Sap on YouTube, or follow Sap on Twitter
[lead photo: Patrick Barron, Maize & Blue Nation]
I can’t remember the last time Michigan played so well at home, against a quality opponent, on the big stage, on national TV.
This program has been on the other end of these beat-downs too often of late. All you have to do is look back to Penn State last year and how they were ready for the Wolverines. Well, tonight the shoe was on the other foot. The Maize & Blue showed no signs of arrogance – just a massive punch to the face that rocked the Badgers!
Maybe they read this quote from the godfather of Michigan football?
Whatever it was, they were prepared to win & win they did. WoW!
OFFENSIVE CHAMPIONS – Shea Patterson looked great running the offense. Karan Higdon carried the ball with authority & attitude. But none of this would have happened without the offensive line operating as one. Maybe they were inspired by some of the former Michigan o-line greats that visited practice this week & were honored before the game? Or maybe this o-line is finally getting it and starting to play with confidence instead of insecurity? To me, they were the story of the game. Dylan McCaffrey doesn’t run for a TD late in the game without the big uglies up front getting it done. Michigan doesn’t run for 320 yards without the offensive line imposing their will against the Badgers. Can you believe what I just wrote?!? That is not a typo. Michigan just out-Wisconsined, Wisconsin!
WoW!
DEFENSIVE CHAMPIONS – While literally everyone played outstanding on defense, I never felt comfortable with this game until Lavert Hill pick-sixed Alex Hornibrook early in the 4th quarter. Call me jaded, call me silly but I’ve seen too many crazy comebacks by lesser teams, so ya, that play put a smile on me that still hasn’t left my face. WoW!
SPECIAL TEAMS – Rarely does a long-snapper receive accolades, but the way Camaron Cheeseman sort of sold that roughing the snapper penalty was huge. It extended a critical drive that led to Michigan going up by two possessions and that was a massive turning point in the game in my opinion.
UFER SPIRIT CHAMPIONS – You – the fans – were OUTSTANDING Saturday night. You made The Big House BIG and it was quite a sight to see! From great signs on the set of College Gameday in the morning to the way you energized Michigan Stadium at night was just awesome! Great job!!
I don’t know about you, but as the clock ticked down the final seconds of the game, I teared up a bit. I mean, how long has this Michigan fan base been waiting for a performance like this? The entire nation was watching this game and the Maize & Blue delivered – just like the fans did that showed up in full force! So cool to see & feel!!
