The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/106890
men's football Force's potent triple-option attack, scampering for 130 yards and a U-M opponentbest three touchdowns on 26 carries. Also considered: Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska Wide Receiver — Ace Sanders, South Carolina: Sanders' blazing speed was one of the deciding factors in the Maize and Blue's heart-breaking Outback Bowl loss. The junior ran wild through the Michigan defensive backfield for 92 yards and two touchdowns on nine grabs (10.2 yards per reception). Also considered: Damiere Byrd, South Carolina; Kenny Bell, Nebraska Wide Receiver — Philly Brown, Ohio State: The Wolverines were largely effective in neutralizing opposing pass catchers in 2012, but Brown was consistently able to locate space, catching eight passes for 95 yards (11.8 yards per reception) and a touchdown. Also considered: Bruce Ellington, South Carolina Tight End — C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa: Fiedorowicz was one of the few bright spots for the Hawkeyes in a 42-17 loss. The 6-7, 265-pound junior utilized his size and athleticism to grab eight passes for 99 yards (12.4 yards per reception). Also considered: Dan Vitale, Northwestern Offensive Line — Alabama: The Crimson Tide's behemoths upfront manhandled an inexperienced Michigan defensive line. Alabama rushed for 247 yards, passed for an additional 200 and gained 21 total first downs to Michigan's 11. Also considered: Air Force; South Carolina Defense Defensive End — Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina: The hit says it all. Clowney's near decapitation of U-M running back Vincent Smith was both a gamechanger and highlight-reel play. He finished the game with four tackles, two stops for loss, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Also considered: Jeoffrey Pagan, Alabama; Sheldon Day, Notre Dame Defensive End — Eric Martin, Nebraska: Martin took full advantage of a U-M offense without ailing quarterback Denard Robinson, recording six stops, two tackles for loss and a sack to help the Huskers capture a critical 23-9 victory in Lincoln. Also considered: Robert Maci, Purdue; Ra'shede Hageman, Minnesota Defensive Tackle — Kawann Short, Purdue: Short once again proved an anchor for the PU defensive line, leading his team with eight tackles, including one for loss, and deflecting a pass. Also considered: Kelcy Quarles, South Carolina; Johnathan Hankins, Ohio State Defensive Tackle — Anthony Rashad White, Michigan State: White raised a ruckus in the trenches for an MSU defense that refused to yield entry into the end zone in Ann Arbor. In totaling five tackles, including 0.5 for loss, he helped muck up the middle for a Spartans defense that allowed only 326 total yards. Also considered: Baker Steinkuhler, Nebraksa Linebacker — Manti Te'o, Notre Dame: Amidst what would later prove to be one of the more controversial scenarios in college football history, Te'o battled