Michigan football’s top 10 defensive players from Week 7 vs. Penn State according to PFF
Penn State had two touchdowns against Michigan on Saturday, but only one of those came from the offense. The Nittany Lions went into the game wanting to run the ball effectively, but the Wolverines held Penn State to 111 run yards and the maize and blue cruised to a 41-17 victory.
It was tough sledding for the Penn State offense against the Michigan defense. The Nittany Lions had one long play, which came from the legs of Sean Clifford. On third and one, Clifford kept a read-option — it shocked the entire state of Michigan — and he ran the ball 62 yards down inside the Michigan five-yard line. PSU later scored its only offensive score a few plays later.
Penn State gained 268 yards of total offense and had 10 first downs during the entire game.
After the Michigan defense suffocated the Penn State offense, you may wonder which Wolverines graded out the highest on defense. If so, we have you covered.
Here are the top 10 Michigan defensive players according to Pro Football Focus after defeating Penn State. This article has a 15-snap minimum.
Junior Colson
Photo by: Isaiah Hole
Grade: 61.7
48 snaps
Mike Sainristil
Photo: Isaiah Hole
Grade: 62.0
41 snaps
Rayshaun Benny
Photo by: Isaiah Hole
Grade: 62.1
15 snaps
Gemon Green
Photo: Isaiah Hole
Grade: 63.3
31 snaps
DJ Turner
CB DJ Turner. Photo: Isaiah Hole
Grade: 64.0
52 snaps
Makari Paige
Sep 10, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Makari Paige (7) and defensive back DJ Turner (5) break up a pass attempt to Hawaii Warriors wide receiver Jalen Walthall (4)at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
Grade: 64.4
49 snaps
Michael Barrett
Photo: Isaiah Hole
Grade: 66.1
45 snaps
Jaylen Harrell
Photo: Isaiah Hole
Grade: 68.4
23 snaps
Mazi Smith
Photo by: Isaiah Hole
Grade: 73.0
48 snaps
Kris Jenkins
Photo: Isaiah Hole
Grade: 76.7
31 snaps