Game balls from Michigan football's 41-13 win over Purdue
The Michigan Wolverines moved to 9-0 on the season on Saturday night, posting a 41-13 win over Purdue with no shortage of standout performers.
The Wolverine’s team of Chris Balas, Clayton Sayfie and Anthony Broome chime in with their game ball picks after the ninth victory of the 2023 campaign.
Chris Balas: Senior wide receiver Roman Wilson
What else is there to be said about Roman Wilson and what he’s brought to the Michigan offense? He has been the steady presence that the Wolverines lost when Ronnie Bell left while taking on much more from a production standpoint. He is still J.J. McCarthy‘s go-to guy and led the team with 9 catches for 143 yards. With the Michigan passing offense taking on more of the load this year, his connection with McCarthy has been a critical part of the team’s offensive success. He will continue to be a major factor in wherever this season goes next as the schedule kicks into high gear.
Clayton Sayfie: Sophomore cornerback Will Johnson
Second-year cornerback Will Johnson has Purdue’s number, wearing his famed Turnover Buffs again against the Boilermakers and recording his third career interception against this particular opponent. There was some rust to knock off early this year while he worked his way back from a knee procedure, but he is far and away the team’s best defensive back and one of the best corners in the country, regardless of class. Throw in his direction at your own peril at this point. Michigan welcomes as many targets at him as possible.
Anthony Broome: Freshman wideout Semaj Morgan
So often down the stretch, a team has to lean on its stars. This Michigan squad is no exception to that, but you also see X-factors emerge this time of year. The way that freshman wideout Semaj Morgan has worked his way into a consistent and dangerous role on this team has been so impressive, headlined by a 44-yard touchdown run on Saturday night. The screen and misdirection game has become a bread-and-butter way for the U-M coaches to use him. When we watched him in person a year ago at West Bloomfield, the staff there was comfortable lining him up all over the field and he made plays in every single role he was given. Michigan looks like it has that type of guy once again, and his stock grows more and more each week. He is a legitimate weapon and is not playing like a true freshman.
