We will look at the top four graded defensive secondary players from both teams, their PFF grade from week one play, and any key stats from those players.
Texas Longhorns
Wardell Mack: 93.8
Jahdae Barron: 89.3
Michael Taaffe: 81.7
Malik Muhammad: 75.8
Muhammad recorded two tackles overall and one pass breakup. Barron’s statistics from the box score don’t jump out, as he had only one tackle and an interception. However, he returned that interception 30 yards and his coverage in the secondary was graded high. Mack was the highest-rated defensive back for the Longhorns due partly to his interception and his ability not to allow Colorado State receivers to catch passes. Taaffe recorded three tackles and one pass break during the game. However, the one big flaw of PFF is that it didn’t rank/grade Jaylon Guilbeau in their top four performances for the Texas Longhorns secondary even though he recorded the most tackles on defense for the Longhorns in their shutout victory over Colorado State.
Michigan Wolverines
Will Johnson: 75.0
Jyaire Hill: 71.6
Zeke Berry: 69.1
Makari Paige: 66.8
Johnson had three tackles—two solo, one interception returned for 86 yards, and one pass deflection. He could be an All-American for a second consecutive season and arguably will be the best defensive back on the field on Saturday. Berry intercepted a pass and recorded two solo tackles, and Hill had one pass deflection as well as two solo tackles like Berry..
Secondary Advantage: Texas
For key special team players, PFF is not as important because kickers and punters for the most part, have one specific job to accomplish.
Texas Longhorns
Field Kicker: Bert Auburn 1/1 on field goals and 7/7 extra point attempts.
Punter: Michael Kern, one punt of 39 yards.
Kicker Returner: Matthew Golden had one return for 26 yards.
Punt Returner: Silas Bolden had four returns for 34 yards.
The Texas special teams players did not have to do much against Colorado State but Auburn did not miss a kicking attempt and made a 45-yarder. Kern only had to punt on time, and Golden only had to return one kickoff. Bolden had one good punt return for 35 yards and overall, the Longhorns special teams did what they had to do.
Michigan Wolverines
Field Kicker: Dominic Zvada 3/3 on field goals and 3/3 on extra point attempts.
Punter: Tommy Doman, four punts for 163 yards.
Kicker Returner: Kalel Mullings had three returns for 74 yards.
Punt Returner: Semaj Morgan had two returns for 32 yards.
Zvada, the transfer kicker from Arkansas State, had an outstanding game, making a field goal from 55 yards and not missing on any of his field goal or extra point attempts. Doman punted well for the Wolverines, averaging 44 yards a punt. The kick and punt return was solid, with Mullings having a 27 yard return and Morgan with a 22 yard return.
Special Teams Advantage: Michigan
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Publish date : 2024-09-06 18:35:00
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