The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/106890
men's football through personal adversity to fortify his Heisman campaign with eight tackles, including one for loss, and two interceptions in ND's ugly 13-6 victory. Also considered: Ryan Shazier, Ohio State; Sean Fisher, Nebraska Linebacker — C.J. Mosley, Alabama: Mosley was a force sideline to sideline, registering seven tackles and returning a key second-quarter interception 16 yards for a score. Also considered: Max Bullough, Michigan State; Trey DePriest, Alabama Linebacker — Zach Boren, Ohio State: In an ugly game, the OSU middle linebacker helped exacerbate the struggles of the Michigan offense in the second half. Boren led the Scarlet and Gray with nine tackles, including two for loss and a sack, and forced a fumble. Also considered: Denicos Allen, Michigan State; Will Compton, Nebraska Cornerback — Dee Milliner, Alabama: Milliner's playmaking ability was on full display at Cowboy Stadium. The future first-round NFL draft pick made five tackles, intercepted a pass and broke up four others to cement his draft status. Also considered: Micah Hyde, Iowa; Ciante Evans, Nebraska Cornerback — Victor Hampton, South Carolina: U-M completed just 48.6 percent of its pass attempts in the Outback Bowl due in large part to the ballhawking redshirt sophomore, who tallied six tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. Also considered: Bennett Jackson, Notre Dame; Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State Safety — C.J. Barnett, Ohio State: Barnett played a massive role in holding the Maize and Blue scoreless in the second half, collecting five tackles and intercepting a pass. Also considered: Jared Carpenter, Northwestern; Vinnie Sunseri, Alabama Safety — D.J. Swearinger, South Carolina: Swearinger was a menace from his free safety spot, notching nine tackles (0.5 for loss), forcing a fumble and breaking up two passes to stifle Michigan's offense in key moments. Also considered: Daimion Stafford, Nebraska; Isaiah Lewis, Michigan State Special Teams Placekicker — Brett Maher; Nebraska: The 2012 Big Ten Kicker of the Year converted three third-quarter field goals, including a 51-yarder, to help the Huskers build what would prove to be an insurmountable 16-6 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Also considered: Kyle Brindza, Notre Dame Punter — Mike Sadler; Michigan State: The sophomore helped the Spartans control the field position battle in a 12-10 loss, punting seven times for a 41.4-yard average and placing four inside U-M's 20-yard line. Also considered: David Baska, Air Force; Cody Mandell, Alabama Kick returner/Punt returner — Ace Sanders, South Carolina: Sanders' electrifying 63-yard first-quarter punt return for a score gave the Gamecocks a 14-3 lead. Also considered: Venric Mark, Northwestern — Kevin Minor