Mid-Season Awards
Discuss...
Defensive MVP
Kovacs
Martin
Gordon
Offensive MVP
Hemingway
Robinson
Toussaint
Edit* Smith
Special Teams MVP
Wile
Gallon
Edit* Most Improved Player
JT Floyd
Huyge
RVB
Lewan
Hemingway
Best Newcomer
Jake Ryan
Blake Countess
Jeremy Gallon (I know, but first time hes had meaningful minutes)
Best Hit (Feel free to add here, there have been some bone jarring hits by our defense)
Kovacs vs. Carder: The Thunder and Lightning Mixtape
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzPgJTbBAbI
BWC vs. EMU - not for a sack but hot damn he slammed.
Kovacs vs. Persa: Lose yo' Head
October 9th, 2011 at 12:54 PM ^
For the big hit, I believe it was RVB who hit Persa right after he released the ball. It looked pretty brutal. The Kovacs hit didn't even get Persa to the ground. He may have made Fitzgerald have a Dantonio though...
October 9th, 2011 at 1:42 PM ^
The announcer said Persa would be seeing RVB in his nightmares. Much cackling from me when he said that.
October 9th, 2011 at 2:39 PM ^
October 9th, 2011 at 3:57 PM ^
during the Tiger's game five against the Yanks, but for some reason I remained pretty calm, confident Michigan would take care of business yesterday, even after the first half's miscues.
October 9th, 2011 at 12:58 PM ^
Defensive MVP:
Martin. Kovacs has been very good, but no one has made as big of an impact as Mike Martin.
Offensive MVP:
Denard, although Hemingway is a close 2nd.
ST MVP:
Gibbons!!!
Best Newcomer:
Jake Ryan, for locking down a starting spot. Countess has looked very good though, especially lately. His PBU last game was terrific. You could also make an argument for Hawthorne or Fitz.
October 9th, 2011 at 2:26 PM ^
Martin's ankles
October 9th, 2011 at 1:00 PM ^
What stands out to me is how difficult it is to pick a single player as the clear cut defensive MVP. In my opinion, Kovacs, Martin, RVB, Grodon, and Floyd are all about equal with the rest playing not far behind. I don't know whether it's a product of the coaches (probably), but this defense seems to truly play as a unit.
October 9th, 2011 at 1:05 PM ^
Grodon is awesome!
October 9th, 2011 at 1:26 PM ^
Especially his performance in Beehtoven:
October 9th, 2011 at 1:00 PM ^
I really like Countess. That long pass last night was just a perfect throw and catch. He had great coverage on that play. Despite getting "burned" on that one, he kept his head in the game and made some more big plays in the second half. He has helped shore up a questionable back field. Looks like he is going to have a great future here.
October 9th, 2011 at 1:33 PM ^
There was DEFINETLY offensive PI on that play. He showed absolutely amazing recovery speed and instinct just to be in the same step as the WR during the jump.
I have such a hard-on for Countess it is amazing. No homo.
October 9th, 2011 at 1:06 PM ^
I'd go Kovacs on defense, with Martin a close second. Offense it's Denard with Lewan/Molk close behind. Newcomer I'd go with healthy Toussaint. For actual freshmen, I like Countess.
October 9th, 2011 at 1:07 PM ^
Here is a tough one...who has made the better adjustments at half time? Mattison or Gorgeous Al? Both are tearing it up. our guys were like a hole different team in the second half last night.
October 9th, 2011 at 1:34 PM ^
Greg - Borges didn't need to stop throwing picks.
October 9th, 2011 at 1:32 PM ^
I think that Mattison has a lot less to work with than Borges so I'd give my nod to him
October 9th, 2011 at 2:01 PM ^
I think we all expected the offense to do well this year with all the talent we had returning, even if Al tweeked the scheme a bit. However, I don't think any of us in our wildest dreams could have expected this out of the defense. I love all the adjustments Mattison has been making.
October 9th, 2011 at 1:08 PM ^
Vincent Smith deserves a shout out.
October 9th, 2011 at 1:10 PM ^
yesterday. Hopefully he doesn't need to make any more this year but both tackles were really good plays.
October 9th, 2011 at 1:12 PM ^
I think hed take the 'best player under 5'8' award easily.
October 9th, 2011 at 1:09 PM ^
JT Floyd is my defensive MVP.... or better yet hes my most improved. He honestly has been shut down this entire year.
October 9th, 2011 at 1:15 PM ^
Even though he's been great otherwise, the way he covered Michael Floyd against ND was just about average.. I would give Defensive MVP vote to Kovacs hands down
October 9th, 2011 at 1:37 PM ^
But Michael Floyd is in the same breath as Blackmon from OKSt as the single best WR in the country... and in my opinion is actually better because he blocks and improvises.
Just being "average" against him is an absolutely huge deal.
October 9th, 2011 at 1:55 PM ^
no one can cover Michael Floyd.
October 9th, 2011 at 2:02 PM ^
Well Michael Floyd is the best pure Reciever in the country.... JT shadowed him the entire game and done an excellent job. Gave up nothing deep and was always in decent or better coverage when he made catches.
October 9th, 2011 at 1:09 PM ^
This is going to increase the man-love for Jeremy Gallon but he definitely deserves it. Go back to the film and watch Denard's first pick, the one he threw deep over the middle off his back foot. Watch the hit that Gallon put on one of the NW CB's right after the ball was picked. I don't know if he is spending some time doing defensive tackling drills but that might have been the biggest hit of the game yesterday. That kid is a football player
October 9th, 2011 at 1:12 PM ^
has to get some major credit for being solid and dependable (and the lack of penalties is huge.)
October 9th, 2011 at 1:12 PM ^
I think best newcomer would have to be Countess. Ryan's been great but he's also blown a good number of plays. I haven't see Countess (a true freshman), get victimized on a single play so far where he made a mistake
October 9th, 2011 at 1:13 PM ^
Best hit is definitely Kovacs vs. Carder, no question in my mind. It was great because it set the tone for a defense that still gives up a lot of yards but finds a way to make huge plays when it counts.
October 9th, 2011 at 1:34 PM ^
he should of had another big hit against persa, but ended up tearing his helmet off. lol
October 9th, 2011 at 1:13 PM ^
Vincent Smith doesn't even get a nomination? He's been as solid as any one else on that team IMO
October 9th, 2011 at 1:24 PM ^
Vince is like the utility guy...he is the ultimate team player that does whatever little thing you need done. But he doesn't have a main role...other than to be the utility player. He'll run, catch, block, return kicks...and he can paaaaaassssssss.
October 9th, 2011 at 2:56 PM ^
Pretty amazing that the big tackle that finally stopped two of those long long interception returns was made by tiny little Vince! He's so much bigger than his body.
October 9th, 2011 at 9:36 PM ^
Vincent Smith = Dave Meggett just not as fast.
October 10th, 2011 at 3:33 PM ^
out that Vincent can tackle. He made 2 great tackles for us on 2 of the three interceptions. He even almost stripped the ball on one of them. They guy is just a good football player and he is selfless.
October 9th, 2011 at 1:17 PM ^
Most improved player of the year.
Offense: Mark huyge
Defense: JT Floyd
Special Teams: Brendan Gibbons
October 9th, 2011 at 1:23 PM ^
I'd have to give the most improved to Gallon. The phrase "Gallon deep for Michigan" used to strike fear in the hearts of millions last year. Now he's turning into a poor man's Breaston.
October 9th, 2011 at 1:26 PM ^
I agree 100%, just said the same thing below...
October 9th, 2011 at 1:38 PM ^
Missed that 47 yarder yesterday. I know 47 yards is long, but I still think that we're lacking in field goals despite his 3/3 in the Minnesota game. With our 3rd and 4th down efficiency as well as the red zone success we've had, I don't see many field goals being called in kicking range on 4th and short.
October 9th, 2011 at 1:45 PM ^
But at the same time gibbons is 4/5 this season, and last year our FG kickers combined to kick 4/14 before RR gave up.
October 9th, 2011 at 9:50 PM ^
Your username is fitting; I dig the optimism. I too hope we get some competent boot out there soon... until then I don't mind settling for touchdowns.
October 9th, 2011 at 1:22 PM ^
Here's mine...
Offensive MVP:
Denard Robinson --- He puts so much pressure on the defense and has made so many big plays this year.
Others: Hemingway, Toussaint, Lewan, Molk
Defensive MVP:
Mike Martin --- People don't realize what he does in the middle. Much like Rob Renes back in the day. But he controls the LOS better than anyone we've had since Renes. Including Watson, Branch and Taylor.
Others: Kovacs, Van Bergen, Gordon, Ryan
Special Teams:
Matt Wile --- Done a great job as a true freshman
Newcomer:
Blake Countess --- The kid is going to be the next great thing at Michigan. He can flat out PLAY. He's going to be a star at the CB position:
Most Improved:
Jeremy Gallon --- People make a lot about us getting Gallon the ball and his catching...I think he's improved more in other areas. #1 He can actually field a punt. #2 His blocking his TREMENDOUS!* #3 His route running has gotten so much better.
Others: Ryan, Gardner, Campbell, Schofield
October 9th, 2011 at 1:37 PM ^
My award winners:
Offensive MVP:
Denard Robinson- Pretty obvious this kid makes so many plays, and has shown he is willing to do anything Borges asks with all the new formations.
Defensive MVP:
Mike Martin- Almost always eating 2 blockers and freeing up others to make big plays.
Special Teams MVP:
Brandon Gibbons- Has made all but one PAT's and been much better on field goals since last season.
Best Hit:
Going off the board here... How about the 4th down stop last night by Kovacs? Great open field tackle. NW was in about to really take control of the game if not for that stop.
October 9th, 2011 at 5:23 PM ^
When did we miss a PAT?
October 9th, 2011 at 1:38 PM ^
I can't believe he doesn't even get a nomination... Maybe not defensive MVP, but he's been solid and at least deserves a mention
October 9th, 2011 at 1:54 PM ^
had a great game last night, really came to play. He really cleaned up a lot of that short dump off stuff without missing any tackles.
That said, there ahsnt been a game this season where Ive sat and said "dang look at that play by Demens."
Kovacs had the GL stop (CMU). Kovacs had the 4th down stop NW. Kovacs had the fumble return 6 CMU. kovacs had the pic in the ND game that turned the tide in the 2nd quarter.
October 9th, 2011 at 2:59 PM ^
but I think thats what you want from the middle linebacker. You don't want to hear his name all game but expect him to show up big in the stat sheets. Demens has been doing all the dirty work. Kovacs certainly makes the flashier plays, mostly because his show up more because of where he plays. How many times last year did we hear Obi's name? how many times was that preceded by something good? All you hear this year is "Demen's with the tackle" He may not be defensive mvp, but he has just as much value as Kovacs
October 9th, 2011 at 2:06 PM ^
Most improved on offense is definitetly Jeremy Gallon. Best route runner on the team... there so crisp and deceptive. He has great hands. Hes like a slower version of steve smith like a 4.45 forty steve smith which is still fast. And hes got moves!!!
October 9th, 2011 at 2:18 PM ^
Offensive MVP: Denard. Easy. While I really like to see JR catch the jump ball, Denard's production is unmatched.
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<br>Defensive MVP: Kovacs. The huge hits and crucial 3rd/4th down stops are a big plus.
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<br>Special Teams MVP: Gallon. No muffs!
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<br>Tough as Nails Award: Woolfolk. Man is this kid tough. Almost averaging an injury a game but still busts his butt every play.
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<br>Most Improved: Big Will. Great to see him getting PT and contributing. Hope he keeps working hard.
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October 9th, 2011 at 2:35 PM ^
Defensive MVP - Definitely Kovacs. I've been really dissapointed by both Demens and Martin this year, both of which I thought would be the top two guys. Kovacs keeps stepping up and is having another really good year, and he definitely deserves the midseason defensive MVP.
Offensive MVP - Borges (can he count?). I've been impressed with Borges's play calling all year. We are still perfect in the red zone (I believe), and the credit there has to go to Coach Borges. Denard has also looked good, but those darn turnover are driving me crazy. Player-wise, he deserves the offensive MVP for the team.
Special Teams MVP - Wile. Those pnts kept getting better and better. I was expecting our punt game to be a disaster with Hagerup out, but the true freshman did quite well.
Best new comer - Jake Ryan. He has quickly become my favorite player on the field. He can hit, and brings it every play.
Best hit - BWC big hit on Persa vs. Northwestern.
October 9th, 2011 at 3:13 PM ^
In my opinion there's really no argument for anyone as Offensive MVP than Robinson. He has carried this team and impacted games (Yes good and bad) in ways no one else has. My two cents.