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Game balls from Michigan football's domination of Michigan State

Anthony Broomeby: Anthony Broome10/30/22anthonytbroome
Michigan Blake Corum
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 29: Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a touchdown against the Michigan State Spartans during the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Michigan football snatched away the Paul Bunyan Trophy on Saturday night in Ann Arbor with a 29-7 blowout win over Michigan State. There was no shortage of standout performances in the workmanlike effort the Wolverines put in during their Week 9 win.

Anthony Broome, Clayton Sayfie and Chris Balas select a player each week for Michigan after the game concludes. Here are the players that get the biggest nod from our staff following a Week 9 victory over the visiting Spartans.

Chris Balas: Graduate kicker Jake Moody

You never want to lean on your kicker, but having the best in America is excellent. Jake Moody hit all 5 of his field goal attempts on Saturday, the longest coming from 53 yards out. Michigan’s offense had a day where it sputtered and lit downs on fire in the red zone. When that happens, points are accepted in any form they come in.

Michigan has to find a way to improve its offense in those tighter windows down the stretch to reach its true potential. In a pinch, Moody’s contributions are always appreciated. Michigan fans sometimes take him for granted, but he is among the most valuable players on the team and as calm as it gets.

Clayton Sayfie: Sophomore linebacker Junior Colson

Junior Colson was the tone-setter for the Michigan defense on Saturday, finishing the game with 10 total tackles. Four of his 10 stops resulted in gains of 3 yards or less and he did not give the Spartans any room to breathe once wrapped up.

Colson has been up and down at times this season, but the second-year linebacker is growing into his expanded role on the Michigan defense and should be a fixture as long as he sticks around. Saturday was a great showing in a trophy game for the Wolverines.

Anthony Broome: Junior running back Blake Corum

It would not be a game week without a shoutout to Blake Corum. It was another day he was counted on to tote the rock at a high volume, finishing with 33 carries for 177 yards and a touchdown. MSU was able to shut down the explosive runs for the most part, and a few that would have gone for long yardage were tripped up.

Corum is simply the heart and soul of the offense right now. Despite questions about his physicality, he pushes a pile and gets the extra yards. His patience and vision help him squeeze every drop out of the plays that are called for him.

Michigan football honorable mentions

Sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy: It was far from a great performance (15-for-25, 167 yards, TD, 7 rushes for 50 yards), but it was another good day at the office. McCarthy has improved in using his legs when things break down. Michigan did not have that element at quarterback last year. There is still a lot to unlock here, and he was a bit tight on Saturday, but he is now 1-0 as a starter vs. MSU.

Graduate tight end Luke Schoonmaker: “Schoony” continues to make plays, hauling in 5 catches for 70 yards on Saturday. He has become one of McCarthy’s favorite targets, but maybe could get a few more looks in the red zone.

Graduate wide receiver Ronnie Bell: Bell was an overturned catch away from having another incredible day vs. MSU. He finished with 4 catches for 53 yards.

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