Monday, September 26, 2005

John T. Greilick / The Detroit News Kevin Grady (3) ran for 53 yards against Wisconsin, but U-M missed Mike Hart, who didn't play because of a hamstring injury.

U-M grades

By Angelique S. Chengelis / The Detroit News

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QUARTERBACK

C- Obviously, tough to blame the quarterback for everything, especially when the numbers are decent. Chad Henne completed 16 of 34 for 258 yards and two touchdowns, but several of the missed completions were glaring overthrows or late releases.

RUNNING BACK

CMike Hart sat out again because of a hamstring injury, and his presence clearly is missed. Max Martin and Kevin Grady carried the load, but Martin's late fumble proved critical.

RECEIVER/TIGHT END

CSenior Jason Avant, typically sure-handed, blames himself for the loss because of his dropped pass early in the third quarter. Mario Manningham, who scored on a 49-yard flea-flicker looks like the real deal and needs to be used more.

OFFENSIVE LINE

B- The good news for the line is it went a whole game without losing a player to injury.

DEFENSIVE LINE

B-The line, particularly Alan Branch, played solidly.

 

LINEBACKER

B- Dave Harris had another solid game. The group still has to work on containing tailbacks.

SECONDARY

BLittle bad to say about this group, however, Wisconsin did not offer the greatest challenge.

SPECIAL TEAMS

D+ Aside from the kickers, Garrett Rivas and Ross Ryan, there was little good about this group. The return game needs serious work.

COACHES

DThere was questionable play-calling, and the team, although it never showed signs of quitting, lacked a sense of urgency even with the lead.

OVERALL

D+ There were some highlights, of course, but they were easily overshadowed by the lowlights.