Michigan Football: Report Card Grades for Every New Starter
The Michigan Wolverines returned a strong majority of their starters, but that experience didn't pay off in the season-opening loss to Utah.
With that being said, head coach Jim Harbaugh tabbed more than a handful of players who weren't fixtures in the 2014 lineup, and their individual successes certainly varied.
Jabrill Peppers took his long-awaited starting spot, but the highly touted defensive back stumbled through some problems in the first half. Although Peppers responded in the latter portion of the game, the same can't be said for the rest of the starters.
Jake Rudock, Quarterback
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As many expected, Jake Rudock trotted out for the first series instead of junior Shane Morris. What happened after that, however, was nothing short of a roller-coaster ride.
Rudock showed flashes of his classic efficiency, overthrew two deep routes, made a couple of uncharacteristically terrible decisions and ultimately ended his Michigan debut 27-of-43 for 279 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.
The Iowa transfer's first interception was the result of an improper route run by true freshman Grant Perry. Rudock simply overthrew Perry for No. 2 and stared down his target—Perry again—before throwing a game-sealing pick-six.
Despite the troubles, Harbaugh's decision to leave Rudock in the game and not panic-switch Morris into action was both commendable and encouraging. Rudock shouldn't have made a couple of those mistakes, but it was also his first game with a new receiving corps.
Rudock doesn't deserve to get benched, but his Wolverines debut wasn't a memorable one.
Grade: C-
Jehu Chesson, Wide Receiver
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Jehu Chesson wasn't a major part of Michigan's offense last season, but it seems the senior has a specific role for the 2015 squad.
Rudock targeted Chesson on a pair of downfield passes, though both fell incomplete. If blame should be assigned on the missed opportunities, each player probably messed up once.
Nevertheless, the Wolverines need Rudock and Chesson to get on the same page moving forward, because an overthrow like this can't happen again.
Chesson finished with three receptions, 22 yards and a pair of what-ifs.
Grade: B-
Jake Butt, Tight End
3 of 10Jake Butt saved Michigan's collective backside during the first half.
The Wolverines simply could not open up running lanes—a problem that continued all night long—and Rudock failed to consistently connect with players other than his safety outlet.
At halftime, the tight end had five receptions for 41 yards. Butt finished with eight catches—six of which resulted in a first down or touchdown—93 yards and one impressive touchdown.
There's no doubt he's going to play a significant role in the Michigan offense.
Grade: A-
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Henry Poggi, Tight End
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Welcome to the world of technicalities.
Henry Poggi, a converted defensive lineman, opened the game at tight end, consequently recording his first career start. Poggi was the absolute last person who reacted to the snap, which was indicative of the junior's night as a whole.
Whether he was lined up at tight end or fullback, Poggi missed on blocks throughout the night, largely because of a tentative nature.
It's not completely fair to give Poggi a grade based on limited playing time, but know that his offensive debut wasn't a good one.
Grade: Incomplete
Matt Godin, Defensive Tackle
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Matt Godin started the game over returning starter Chris Wormley and tallied three assisted stops, but the backup stole the show.
Since Wormley had a team-leading three tackles for a loss and was a consistent force, Godin might lose that newly acquired starting spot when Michigan takes on Oregon State.
Now, it's not like Godin didn't contribute at all. The junior defensive tackle was a part of the rotation throughout the night and nearly sacked Utah quarterback Travis Wilson in the fourth quarter.
Godin needs to work on reacting to the snap—especially when fatigued, because he had some ugly moments—but managed three assisted stops.
Grade: C+
Mario Ojemudia, Buck
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Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin brought the "Buck" position to Ann Arbor, and it was clear Mario Ojemudia is still adjusting to the role.
Michigan's line was noticeably more effective in a true four-man front compared to when a stand-up rusher—the Buck—occupied the edge, since Ojemudia's backups didn't fare any better.
Ojemudia wasn't overly impressive, but his occasional struggles definitely shouldn't cost him the starting spot. He registered one sack and had a chance at another, ultimately tallying five total stops.
Grade: C+
Desmond Morgan, Linebacker
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What's old is new.
Morgan, who started 32 games from 2011 to 2013, missed most of the 2014 campaign because of injury but basically picked up where he left off.
The senior linebacker was consistently around the ball, shooting gaps, shedding blocks and producing in a variety of ways. Morgan wasn't officially credited with a sack, but he was definitely involved in one.
Morgan accumulated eight solo tackles, two assisted stops, one forced fumble and one pass breakup, and Michigan must be thrilled to have him back.
Grade: A-
Channing Stribling, Cornerback
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Utah wasted no time in attacking Channing Stribling on the edge, but the cornerback didn't respond overly well to the challenge.
Wilson threw a screen to Devontae Booker and a swing pass to Bubba Poole, and on both occasions, Stribling put up little fight and was easily sealed away from the play.
Although he made a nice tackle to force a field goal on the opening drive, Stribling didn't do anything in particular to lock up a starting position. He totaled three solo tackles and two assisted stops.
Grade: C-
Jabrill Peppers, Safety
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Peppers didn't secure a place on the All-American team after a single game, which was a complete and utter letdown.
Anyway, the hyped-up safety ended up playing a ton of nickelback. After a tough start, Peppers settled down and showed out.
Early in the fourth quarter, he easily sidestepped a block and recorded a tackle for loss—something he did on multiple occasions. Peppers' reaction time and closing speed were his most impressive attributes en route to seven solo tackles.
Peppers, who also ripped off a 36-yard kick return, overcame early mistakes and reinforced the widely held belief he has a bright future.
Grade: B+
Specialists
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Kenny Allen handled the field-goal and kickoff duties. He managed to showcase the best- and worst-case scenarios of both responsibilities.
Allen connected on a 29-yard attempt, pushed a 44-yarder wide right, recorded three touchbacks and sent an onside kick out of bounds.
Graduate transfer Blake O'Neill averaged 43.3 yards per punt, blasting a long of 50 yards. He deadened one attempt inside the Utah 5-yard line but outkicked the coverage on another, which Utah turned into a 14-yard return.
Grade: C
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