Michigan Wolverines versus Wisconsin Badgers Week 6 Recap and Review: Sherrone Moore Returns, the Transfers Shine, and Rod Moore Is Back

In Week 6, the Michigan Wolverines defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 24-10 to improve to 4-1 on the year and 2-0 in Big Ten play. While it wasn't quite the whole game dominant performance fans were hoping for, the fourth quarter showed the offense's potential, and after Wisconsin's first drive, the Wolverines' defense dominated the rest of the game.

The main narrative going into this game was Sherrone Moore's return from his two-game suspension. While he was out, Michigan had a strong performance against Central Michigan, followed by a solid win in Nebraska.

"Michigan Football vs. UConn" by Jeremy Bronson is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Of course, the team's performance during Moore's absence was overblown. Interim coach Biff Poggi frequently noted Moore's importance in all of his postgame interviews. Early in this game, and perhaps after, the complaints will continue regardless of merit. This is Moore's team for better or worse. Regardless, Michigan still has some work to do if it hopes to make the College Football Playoff.

Michigan Wolverines Week 6: The Offense and the New Guys

A big positive from this week's performance is Bryce Underwood's continued growth. He completed 19-28 passes for 270 yards and one touchdown. He moved around well in the pocket on a day that the offensive line struggled a bit.

Justice Haynes, the featured athlete on Big Noon Kickoff, had another phenomenal game. His 117-yard and two-touchdown performance makes him 5/5 on 100-yard performances and games with at least a touchdown. He now has 654 yards and eight touchdowns on the season. Wisconsin had boasted a defense that held teams to an average of 50 rushing yards per game. Haynes had a 43-yard run in the first quarter as a part of the team's 175 yards rushing.

While Haynes is the team's biggest portal addition, Donaven McCulley is proving to be another good transfer. McCulley has been advertised as the team's most promising receiver, but he hasn't had many opportunities to showcase it. He had his best game as a Wolverine today, proving himself a reliable option for Underwood. He had six receptions, a touchdown, and 112 yards.

The other newcomer with a strong performance was freshman Andrew Marsh. Before today, he had one reception for 30 yards. Today, he added four catches and 80 yards, including a 32-yard reception and some nice catches on the sideline. His development as a part of the offense will go a long way to helping the Wolverines exceed expectations this season.

Michigan Wolverines Week 6: Defense Continues to Impress

During the first drive, Wisconsin marched down the field and scored a touchdown. It looked methodical, which could have been cause for concern. Instead, chalk it up to rustiness following their bye week.

Michigan really had few concerns after that, allowing only one field goal and a total of 203 yards the remainder of the game. Of note, Rod Moore looked impressive as he gets back up to speed. He had an interception and several other great plays. He'll help this defense throughout the season. Derrick Moore had the Wolverines' only sack.

Michigan Wolverines Week 6: Concerns and Other Notes.

The biggest cause for concern remains the drops. Underwood does a great job getting the ball out and extending plays. He has the occasional throw that makes for a tough catch, but the number of drops is not sustainable. In a game against Wisconsin, the mistakes are easier to overcome. Against USC, those plays will be more difficult. Semaj Morgan is a primary culprit, but his speed makes it easy to see why Michigan wants to get him involved. If he continues to struggle, don't be surprised to see McCulley and Marsh get more and more reps.

Dominic Zvada missed another kick. It appeared the issue came from the snap, but his three misses this year exceed his total misses at Michigan last season. It may be nothing, but it is worth noting. Confidence is paramount for kickers.

It was nice to see Max Bredeson receive some recognition from the media. He blocks. He plays fullback. And yet, he may be the Wolverines' most important player on offense. He is key to both the running and passing game. Players like him typically don't get enough attention. Good on the broadcast for pointing it out.

Michigan Wolverines Versus Wisconsin Badgers Week 6 Verdict

It wasn't pretty. It was a very Sherrone Moore-style game. Run the ball. Don't turn it over. Avoid mistakes. Play good defense. Win. That may not receive a lot of praise, but it works effectively against these types of opponents. Michigan will need to continue to open it up and improve their play on the offensive and defensive lines to make the CFP. Year two is a big year for college football coaches. Doubly so for coaches who took over National Title programs, as Moore did. It may not be fair, but the standard at Michigan is winning Big Ten titles, beating Ohio State, and competing for National championships.

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