Kalel Mullings, Davis Warren headline Studs and Duds from Michigan Wolverines' 28-18 victory over Arkansas State
The Michigan Wolverines emerged victorious over the Arkansas State Red Wolves with a 28-18 win in their Week 3 matchup. While they didn't make it look easy, they got a rebound win ahead of Big 10 play. Who were the Wolverines' best and worst players against Arkansas State? Stud: RB Kalel Mullings I wrote pre-game […]
The Michigan Wolverines emerged victorious over the Arkansas State Red Wolves with a 28-18 win in their Week 3 matchup. While they didn't make it look easy, they got a rebound win ahead of Big 10 play.
Who were the Wolverines' best and worst players against Arkansas State?
Stud: RB Kalel Mullings
I wrote pre-game that this would be the perfect game for Kalel Mullings to cross 100 yards on the ground, and he cruised well over that mark. Mullings was their best player in the game on Saturday and was a spark the offense desperately needed.
He finished the day with 153 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. He can be their bell cow back moving forward.
Dud: QB Davis Warren
Technically, Davis Warren did complete all of his passes against Arkansas State…it's just that some of them were caught by the Red Wolves. I get it, Wolves and Wolverines both start with "Wolv" so it's easy to understand the confusion.
In all seriousness, Warren might have outright lost the starting job against Arkansas State. He finished 11/14 for 122 yards and every incompletion was an interception. They have failed to generate much in the passing game in all three of his starts, and he was pulled in favor of Alex Orji.
While I'm not convinced Orji will remain the starter the whole season, he immediately led arguably the best offensive drive Michigan has had, orchestrating a nine-play, 80-yard drive that made the game 28-3.
Stud: LB Ernest Hausmann
Michigan's two linebackers flew around in this game, but I have to give the edge to Hausmann on initial watch.
His speed saw him tie for the team lead in tackles (with fellow LB Jaishawn Barham), but his ability to click and close quickly led to a nice sack early that got their momentum rolling.
Hausmann finished the day with seven tackles and a sack and was a key part of Michigan's defense holding Arkansas State's offense to just 58 yards rushing.
Dud: DC Wink Martindale
It was obvious that Michigan seemingly wanted to emphasize on the basics. They played a lot of shell and bland coverage calls throughout most of the game. It was so far away from Michigan's identity though that I think it was too much of a negative.
The defense was too simple and there were way too many tells Arkansas State exploited.
Arkansas State had players open throughout the day and the Wolverines' scheme got bailed out by great individual efforts.
I get why Michigan operated the way they did, but it felt like too far of a lean to the opposite.
Stud: DT Ike Iwunnah
Iwunnah hasn't played a down in his first three seasons at Michigan but has strung along some good performances in a limited role against Texas and Arkansas State.
He had a key TFL, but his presence also paved the way for Hausmann's sack. Michigan needs better depth up front, and Iwunnah is quietly earning a larger role moving forward.
