We’re five weeks into the season and Michigan’s title defense has been shaky at best.
After the departures of Jim Harbaugh (now the Los Angeles Chargers coach), quarterback J.J. McCarthy (drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings) and running back Blake Corum (third round, Los Angeles Rams), there were some questions about how new coach Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines would fare. And as the reigning champions, there were some expectations in Ann Arbor.
After an opening-week 31-12 dismantling by Texas at the Big House, the Wolverines (4-1, 2-0 Big Ten) have struggled to put opponents away decisively in the second half of games. In Week 4 against USC, Michigan lost a 14-0 lead in the first half and coughed up two fumbles in the second half, but managed to get the win thanks to a touchdown on fourth-and-goal with 37 seconds left by running back Kalel Mullings.
In Saturday’s Week 5 win, Michigan once again allowed an opponent to come back. The Wolverines entered the fourth quarter with a 24-3 lead, but Minnesota erased that 21-point deficit. The Golden Gophers scored two touchdowns in less than three minutes of game time and added another to pull within three points with 1:37 to play.
Once again, Mullings was a bright spot for the Wolverines, rushing for 111 yards and two touchdowns in his first start at running back. He leads the Wolverines with 540 yards and six touchdowns in five games. Entering the season, Donovan Edwards was expected to be the featured running back, but Mullings has emerged as the No. 1 at the position.
With the win, Michigan extended its school-record conference winning streak to 27 games. The Wolverines haven’t lost a Big Ten game since Michigan State beat them in 2021. But unless Moore and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale find a way to energize and bolster their defense, that record looks to be in jeopardy each week as they get deeper into the conference season and face tougher opponents.
Mullings isn’t the only early standout in the Big Ten — here are four others to watch in Week 6. I included two defensive players, which may come as a surprise, but games aren’t just won on the offensive side of the ball, and those guys certainly play a major role in a team’s success.
1. Indiana DB D’Angelo Ponds
Indiana started the season 5-0 for the first time since 1967 and has scored the most points in the first five games in program history – a massive improvement from the Hoosiers we’ve come to know.
Though much of the focus has been on the offense, cornerback D’Angelo Ponds had himself a game in Week 5. Against Maryland, Ponds had seven solo tackles, bringing his total to 14, and a pass breakup on fourth down that resulted in Indiana getting the ball on its own 30-yard line. Ponds’ impact against the Terps doesn’t necessarily show in the score, but look for him to be an important factor as the season continues.
Up next: at Northwestern (Saturday at 2:30 p.m., Big Ten Network)
2. Michigan CB Jyaire Hill
Redshirt freshman cornerback Jyaire Hill intercepted a pass near the Minnesota sideline toe-tapping to stay in bounds in the second quarter. Though the Wolverines were unable to convert the turnover into points, Hill’s acrobatic grab was a highlight of the game and showcased his speed and athleticism.
The Kankakee native also had two tackles, including 1.5 for a loss. After struggling early in the season, Hill’s game is starting to build and his growth will be a major component in the impact of Michigan’s secondary.
Up next: at Washington (Saturday at 6:30 p.m., NBC)
3. Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith
Smith, a freshman wide receiver who has become a frequent target for quarterback Will Howard, had five receptions for 83 yards and one rushing and one receiving touchdown in the Buckeyes’ 38-7 victory over Michigan State. On the final drive of the first half, Smith made two, one-handed grabs so spectacular even NBA superstar LeBron James was impressed.
JEREMIAH SMITH!!!! MAN KNOCK IT OFF!!!! MY GOODNESS O-H..
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 29, 2024
Through four games, Smith has 19 receptions with 364 yards. After Marvin Harrison Jr.‘s departure for the Arizona Cardinals, Smith appears to be the next highlight-reel wide receiver in a program with a rich tradition at the position.
Up next: vs. Iowa (Saturday at 2:30 p.m., CBS)
4. Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai
Monangai, a senior running back, ran for 132 yards and one touchdown in Rutgers’ 21-18 win over Big Ten newcomer Washington on Friday. A physical player who won’t go down easy, Monangai led the Big Ten in rushing last season with 1,262 yards.
Through four games this season, he has rushed for 589 yards with six touchdowns — and Rutgers is 4-0 for the first time since 2012. Monangai, a key factor in the Scarlet Knights offense, is a player to watch as Rutgers attempts to make a name for itself in the Big Ten.
Up next: at Nebraska (Saturday at 3 p.m., FS1)
