PFF grades: Michigan football’s top 10 defensive players vs. Illinois
Michigan football moved to 11-0 on the season after defeating Illinois on Saturday, 19-17. The Fighting Illini scored three points in the first half and then Chase Brown caught fire for the Illini and Illinois was able to get two touchdowns in the second half.
The Wolverines weren’t able to get to Tommy DeVito on Saturday or create any turnovers but the Michigan defense stepped up when it needed to. Illinois was 0-for-2 on fourth down conversion and both came at crucial times. The interior Wolverines’ D-line came up big and stuffed the run during those plays. Credit to Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Mazi Smith for having big games.
The maize and blue linebackers struggled in this one but even though Michigan was without Mike Morris, the defensive line had a solid day and the Wolverines’ secondary looked good for the majority of the game.
Here are the top 10 Michigan football defensive players against Illinois according to Pro Football Focus.
Mike Sainristil (61.7)
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Jaylen Harrell (62.0)
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Kris Jenkins (62.3)
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Derrick Moore (62.8)
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Rod Moore (64.5)
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Mazi Smith (68.4)
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R.J. Moten (72.0)
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DJ Turner (72.6)
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Mason Graham (73.2)
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Gemon Green (76.6)
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