The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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OCTOBER 2025 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 39 ❱ MICHIGAN FOOTBALL coach Erik Campbell, meanwhile, found him after the win and gave him a big hug. Moore said before the season, "I know I'll probably cry before that first game [back] … it's a lot of energy, a lot of built-up emotions that I can't even put into words that will be released on that day." While there were no waterworks, he looked elated to be back, adding, "I feel great," when asked how his knee held up. Head coach Sherrone Moore had to watch from his couch, serving the sec- ond of his two-game suspension issued by the NCAA, but he could sense his cap- tain's importance even 100 miles away. "So powerful," he said. "Rod, when he's just in practice, is just a leader. He's a vocal leader, and a leader with the team. When he's on the field, he's like a coach. You can make adjustments, you can make calls, but he [does things] those other guys can't do. Rod's just a little dif- ferent because he's done it for so many snaps in such a high level. 'But watching him go out there was magical. It was awesome to see the prog- ress he's made with his knee over the years and what he's done, and how he feels now. It feels great, and it was great to watch Rod make plays." Moore suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during spring practice in March 2024, but he also had a meniscus tear that wasn't discovered or repaired at that time. That led to enduring pain during his rehab and a second surgery in De- cember 2024, one that delayed his re- turn. Now, though, he's back and healthy, and the hope is that he'll continue to shake off the rust and improve the pass defense. The Wolverines ranked a disap- pointing 96th nationally on 20-plus yard pass plays allowed with 13 through four weeks, and several have come on blown coverages. "I think one, it's communication, but [other teams], they execute, too," Moore said. "So, there are things that we've just got to get fixed, and I know they got fixed right away [at Nebraska], so that's a good thing … good thing to see. "I credit the staff on what they've done with a bunch of young players, es- pecially in the back end … this team is really coming together with young sec- ondary guys that are making plays all over the place." With the hope of many more to come with Moore's return. — Chris Balas OFFENSIVE LINE SHOWING POSITIVE STEPS DESPITE SHAKEUPS DUE TO INJURY The Michigan offensive line was a question mark heading into the season, and there might still be concerns about how it will hold up against the better Graduate student center Greg Crippen came up huge against the Cornhuskers, opening holes on all three of the Wolverines' long touchdown runs in the 30-27 win at Nebraska. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL