Your chance to grade Michigan's performance against Purdue
michigan cornerback Raymon Taylor, left, and Jordan Kovacs celebrate Taylor's interception return for a touchdown against Purdue.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Now it's your turn to grade Michigan's offensive, defensive, special teams, coaching and overall performances.
Offense
Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson became the Big Ten's all-time leader in rushing yards for a quarterback after racking up 235 rushing yards on 24 carries, and threw for 105 more as the Wolverines opened the game with 21 unanswered points and never looked back.
Defense
Sophomore cornerback Raymon Taylor broke the game open midway through the second with a 63-yard interception return for a score. After struggling to create turnovers in its first four games, Michigan forced four on Saturday and kept the Purdue offense off the field most of the day.
Special Teams
Except for a Brendan Gibbons 44 yard field goal attempt that clanged off of the post, the special teams was nearly mistake free and even forced a turnover on a kickoff return. Gibbons made his other three attempts and Dennis Norfleet once again was solid in the kick return gam.
Coaching
Two weeks after a pass-heavy attack led to interception after interception after interception, Michigan seemed to adjust its play calling to keep the ball on the ground to play to the team's strengths.
Overall
Put it all together, and what do you get?
Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
Terry Star21
Mon, Oct 8, 2012 : 12:48 a.m.
Pete; I think Michigan was an A- overall, but if you rate it towards outside media, naysayers, etc. expectations - you have to give it an A+ (Herbstreit ?, come on - never won against Michigan at Ohio and even got knocked out in his last game vs M). The ND game will turn out to be our best matchup (future play) and the bye week was perfect. This team (in my opinion) has the best defense in the B10. And if we keep running the ball with short passes (why risk long passes ?), we'll use up clock and keep our defense fresh. MgoBlueForTiM....great time to be a Michigan faithful.
Wulver76
Sun, Oct 7, 2012 : 3:32 p.m.
The offense was effective and generally took advantage of what was available. But the passing game was mediocre at best. I'm still concerned that when playing a team that can constrain DR's running it will turn into another ND-type fiasco. Despite the decisive win, the team was way too one dimensional on offense.
glenn
Sun, Oct 7, 2012 : 12:39 p.m.
I agree with giving Rawls a chance. His 33 yards on 4 carries were when both teams had backups in the game. Still he should get a chance. He is not a freshman.0 I gave Borges in F- for the ND game. I think the coaches must be incented on winning the Big 10 which would explain pocket passing Denard to keep him healthy. With Denard always as a rushing threat that opens up the passing game. I give Borges an A for the Purdue game. As a fan I am not only interested in the Big 10 championship. I want to beat ND too. Next year I hope the incentives are changed and we get the A game plan for the ND game and the Big 10 games. Funning builds Densrd's confidence. You could see that yesterday.
glenn
Sun, Oct 7, 2012 : 12:40 p.m.
Running Denard... not Funning.
A2Dave
Sun, Oct 7, 2012 : 12:08 p.m.
Sorry--meant Rawls, not Hayes. Same idea though.
A2Dave
Sun, Oct 7, 2012 : 12:05 p.m.
Would have rated coaching higher, except for compulsion to stick with "East-West" Toussaint. Clearly, Justice Hayes in one series demonstrated how Michigan tailbacks run North-South. The Purdue staff must have been truly thankful Hayes wasn't brought in earlier as Toussaint danced behind the line, ignored his blocking lanes and generally blew several series.
observer
Sun, Oct 7, 2012 : 11:45 a.m.
Robinson has to be allowed to run, he seemed more in tune because they let him do what he does best.....also Toussaint seems slower for some reason.....the defense seems to be coming around and the Northfleet? is fearless on his returns......
Steve McQueen
Sun, Oct 7, 2012 : 6:31 a.m.
Many of the pundits and talking heads predicted a Purdue win vs. Michigan. However, the deeper and more talented team won. Michigan put together a complete game on Saturday and dominated. Only one turnover by Denard... this team is steadily improving on defense, is well coached, and is better than the 3-2 record.
Terry Star21
Mon, Oct 8, 2012 : 12:52 a.m.
Right on.....Michigan is still and always has been a Top 20, maybe Top 15 team this year. Runs and short passes = moved clock, rested defense and Michigan WIN.
Tag
Sun, Oct 7, 2012 : 3:57 a.m.
Latavis, completely agree. It's time to sit Fitz. Something is different about him this year. He's just not as crisp. I don't know if he has an undisclosed injury or what's going on but he isn't getting the job done.
Latavis Thompson
Sun, Oct 7, 2012 : 3:09 a.m.
The coaches keep saying that they dont want Denard to be the entire offense and yet they keep starting Fitz Toussaint who isnt doing anything. Thomas Rawls had 4 carries and 33 yards, while Fitz had something like 17-18 caries for 20 yards...
Terry Star21
Mon, Oct 8, 2012 : 12:55 a.m.
Latavis....the coaches always say you have to earn it in practice, obviously Fitz is coming up big in practice. I do however, agree with your point - he isn't doing anything in the 'game'.