Bless you Sap for serving up decals after that rough game. Here you go: OFFENSIVE CHAMPION DE’VEON SMITH – Now you know why coaches like Bo and Bill Parcells loved to have a strong running game. When you can close out a game, or at least milk the clock, it puts pressure on the opposing team to either use all their timeouts late in the game or drive the length of the field to win. Smith has given the Michigan offense the strength and stability it desperately needs – especially when U-M’s QB is basically playing on one leg. DEFENSIVE CHAMPION FRANK CLARK – Finally a solid, break-out, statement game from Clark. Dude was the classic guy who came to play right from the opening snap to the final play of the game. I haven’t seen such a strong and steady big play performance from a Michigan defender since some guy wore #2 in 1997. SPECIAL TEAMS CHAMPION KICK TEAM – I don’t want to sound like an old coach, but don’t EVER take another extra point for granted. If Matt Wile doesn’t convert his PAT, the score would have been 9-9 instead of 10-9, and all Northwestern would have needed was a PAT of their own to win. I know, I know, Wile had one kick blocked, but…
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Dr. Sap’s Decals–UMass
Ed. Dr. Sap is back with his decals for week 3. I added the Editor’s pick and Fan award this week. Here are the picks from Week 1 and Week 2. Back when Bo was coaching the Michigan Football team, he awarded decals for individual as well as TEAM accomplishments. He also selected Champions each week. Not only were the obvious categories (offense, defense, special teams) selected, but Bo also made it a point to recognize the not so obvious ones – Scout Team Champions and Team Hustlers – each week. OFFENSE DENARD ROBINSON – did it all on offense for U-M (AGAIN!). Looked much more poised and in command of the offense. Still has some work to do, but the season is young and #16 is still “hungry.” DEFENSE FRANK CLARK – While he was only in on 3 tackles and had one tackle for loss, he was solid in his first career start. Got to the quarterback and gave the D some much needed pressure when it was still a game in the first half. SPECIAL TEAMS WILL HAGERUP – Only had two punts , but averaged 46 yards with one being a 60 yarder that UMass fumbled and recovered at their 4-yard line. HUSTLER / SPARKPLUG TAYLOR LEWAN – Always a big deal when your offensive tackle…