Michigan's Special Teams Dilemma: Time for a Change?
The Wolverines' 31-20 victory over Michigan State on October 25th at Spartan Stadium was a tale of two halves, with standout performances and glaring weaknesses on full display. But here's where it gets controversial: while the offense and defense had their moments, it’s the special teams that might need a serious overhaul. Let’s dive into the winners and losers of the game, and explore why this could be the turning point for Michigan’s season.
Winners
RB Justice Haynes: The Consistent Game-Changer
Justice Haynes continues to be a force to be reckoned with. The junior transfer from Alabama has now rushed for at least 100 yards and a touchdown in all six games he’s completed in a Michigan uniform—an impressive streak that speaks volumes about his reliability. Against MSU, Haynes started slow, with only one of his first nine rushes gaining more than 5 yards. But then he flipped the switch, delivering four consecutive rushes of 9 yards or more. The real game-changers came in the second half: a 20-yard and a 28-yard pickup that set the tone for a dominant possession, culminating in a touchdown that shifted the momentum. Later, he capped off his performance with a 14-yard scamper around the left edge, walking into the end zone for a 24-7 lead. Despite a lost fumble in the fourth quarter, Haynes finished with 26 rushes for 153 yards, proving once again why he’s a cornerstone of Michigan’s offense.
LB Jimmy Rolder: The Unsung Hero
Jimmy Rolder had the game of his life in East Lansing, setting the tone less than a minute into the matchup with a diving recovery of an Aidan Chiles fumble. Rolder led the Wolverines with 10 tackles, including a sack on a blitz up the A-gap in the first quarter that dropped Chiles for a 12-yard loss. His biggest play, however, came on fourth-and-3 when he broke up a pass intended for Jack Velling, preventing the Spartans from extending their drive. Rolder’s journey to this moment is a testament to his perseverance. Buried in the depth chart for much of his career, he stayed because of his love for Michigan and belief in himself. “It’s a blessing to be out there, starting with my guys,” he said. And this is the part most people miss: players like Rolder are the backbone of a winning team.
DE Derrick Moore: Backing Up the Talk
Derrick Moore made headlines this offseason with a bold video promising to take the “belt to the behind” of the Wolverines. He delivered on that promise, finishing with four solo tackles and two sacks. His first sack came late in the first half, dropping Chiles at midfield and preventing MSU from tying the score before the break. Moore’s second sack, in the final minutes, was a display of sheer power as he bulldozed tackle Stanton Ramil and caught Chiles from behind. Another sack was called back due to a defensive penalty, but Moore’s impact was undeniable. He’s not just talk—he’s a game-changer.
Losers
QB Bryce Underwood: A Night to Forget
Bryce Underwood’s night started with a bang—a 13-yard touchdown run in the first quarter—but it quickly fizzled out. This was his least impressive performance of the season, completing just 8 of 17 passes for 86 yards (5.1 yards per attempt). After a deep shot to Andrew Marsh on the second drive, Underwood connected on only 5 of 13 passes, with just one completion more than 5 yards downfield. Missed passes, including overthrows in the end zone and a pass out of bounds intended for Marlin Klein, highlighted his struggles. Michigan’s coaching staff noticed and leaned heavily on the run game, but against a defense that had been vulnerable to quarterbacks, Underwood’s performance was underwhelming. Pro Football Focus metrics flagged two “turnover-worthy plays,” raising questions about his consistency moving forward.
WR Donaven McCulley: A Quiet Night
When the quarterback struggles, receivers often do too, and Donaven McCulley was no exception. After catching the opening pass for 9 yards, McCulley disappeared, failing to record another reception. He missed opportunities on a deep shot and a third-and-3 pass, and wasn’t targeted in the second half. For a player with his talent, this was a missed chance to step up in a critical game.
WR Semaj Morgan: Special Teams Struggles
And this is the part most people miss: Semaj Morgan’s role as punt returner might be in jeopardy. While the coaching staff hasn’t hinted at a change, his production leaves much to be desired. Morgan had an egregious fair catch inside Michigan’s 5-yard line and fielded a punt with ample space in front of him, only to be dropped for a gain of one. With just 27 yards on 11 punt returns this season—a far cry from his 287 yards as a freshman—it’s time to ask: is this the right role for him? But here's where it gets controversial: Should Michigan bench Morgan as punt returner, or is there still hope for a turnaround? Let us know in the comments.
Final Thoughts
Michigan’s win over MSU showcased both the team’s strengths and its vulnerabilities. While Haynes, Rolder, and Moore proved their value, Underwood and McCulley’s struggles—and Morgan’s special teams woes—raise questions about the team’s depth and consistency. The Wolverines have the talent to contend, but addressing these issues will be crucial for their playoff aspirations. What changes would you make? Share your thoughts below, and don’t forget to tune into Hail Yes!, your go-to Wolverines podcast, available on Apple, Spotify, and everywhere you listen to podcasts.
