Monday, September 19, 2005

John T. Greilick / The Detroit News Plenty of reserves played during U-M's blowout victory over Eastern, including running back Alijah Bradley, who scored a touchdown.

U-M grades

By Angelique S. Chengelis / The Detroit News

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QUARTERBACK

A Chad Henne, coming off a mediocre performance in the loss to Notre Dame a week earlier, played nearly flawlessly against Eastern Michigan. Henne played only the first half, regained his form and was 13-of-19 for 147 yards and three touchdowns. Backup Matt Gutierrez played most of the second half and obviously got valuable experience.

RUNNING BACK

A With Mike Hart out because of a hamstring injury, sophomore classmate Max Martin finally got the workload he has desired. The 6-foot-1, 216-pound Martin -- definitely a changeup to Hart's diminutive stature -- had 26 carries for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Jerome Jackson and Alijah Bradley also scored a touchdown apiece.

WIDE RECEIVER / TIGHT END

B+ This was not the type of game Michigan uses to showcase its receivers, but Jason Avant looked solid with two touchdown receptions. Mario Manningham got the start and clearly has earned a featured role in the offense. Backup tight end Mike Massey also got valuable playing time.

OFFENSIVE LINE

A This group deserves plenty of kudos considering the number of injuries it has had to endure. Michigan went with its third lineup in as many games, and then had to play the second half without stalwart starting left tackle Adam Stenavich, who took a knee in the back.

DEFENSIVE LINE

A Gabe Watson was held out of his second straight start. Pat Massey shifted to the nose and Alan Branch started at tackle. Rondell Biggs made his second straight start at end. Freshman Terrance Taylor and sophomore Tim Jamison received valuable playing time.

LINEBACKER

A Hard to give this group anything less. David Harris' presence at one inside linebacker position the last two games has given the linebackers a boost.

SECONDARY

A Starting cornerback Grant Mason led the team with six tackles, but this group's performance was not about the starters. It was about getting work for players like freshman Brandon Harrison, who switched from cornerback to safety and for Morgan Trent, who moved from receiver to corner.

SPECIAL TEAMS

A Steve Breaston set the tone on the first punt return, taking it 72 yards to the EMU 10. Leon Hall, who had seven career punt returns heading into the EMU game, had his first two returns of the season. Garrett Rivas and James Bloomsburgh had field goals.

COACHES

A Michigan's coaches did what they needed to do in a game that was never in doubt. They pulled starters at the appropriate time, inserted inexperienced backups at the right time, and, simply, worked out kinks and allowed the team to regain confidence heading into the Big Ten.

OVERALL

A What can you say about a 55-0 victory over an inferior team? Michigan coach Lloyd Carr summed it up, saying he was pleased his team never got sloppy when it was clear the game was out of reach.