What Wolverine gets the game ball? (No, you can't pick Denard)

Submitted by WichitanWolverine on

Obviously Denard played an outstanding game down in South Bend, but he wasn't alone.  Who would you nominate for best non-dilithium-fueled performance?

I would have to give it to Jonas Mouton.  I thought he played very well all-around and his interception and tip-drill on Kovacs' interception were two very big plays.  Who do you guys think played best (aside from the Nard Dawg)?

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West Texas Blue

September 13th, 2010 at 2:06 PM ^

Roundtree.  This guy is hands down our most clutch receiver.  That catch on 3rd and 5 at end of the game was amazing.  As DRob continues to garner more experience, his rapport with Roundtree will only increase to develop into a great QB-WR tandem.  If Roundtree continues his play from his last 8-9 games, he is well on his way to the #1 jersey.

Joined: 06/30/2008

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M-Wolverine

September 13th, 2010 at 2:06 PM ^

And a good choice with Mouton.

Not to just copy it though, so I'll say Roundtree. 2 HUGE scoring position catch and runs.

Joined: 10/04/2009

MGoPoints: 42190

Tauro

September 13th, 2010 at 2:08 PM ^

Mouton on Defense - had a co-worker who is an ND fan at my house to watch the game, and all he kept saying was "friggin' Mouton".  Sweet words.

Roundtree on offense - he made some excellent blocks (especially on Denard's big run) and was back to his old self receiving.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 1378

BlockM

September 13th, 2010 at 2:09 PM ^

Who's the best basketball player of all time? And you can't pick MJ. /s

I think I'd go with Roundtree. He made some incredibly impressive catches, including the one at the end of the game, obviously. His confidence, and Denard's confidence in him, are going to be absolutely key for us throughout the season.

Joined: 07/03/2008

MGoPoints: 40727

Blazefire

September 13th, 2010 at 2:10 PM ^

Probably also a couple of unsung guys out there doing the right thing every time that don't get attention. Kovacs was in the right place most of the time. Saved a few big plays.

Joined: 04/17/2009

MGoPoints: 25038

jtmc33

September 13th, 2010 at 2:41 PM ^

Mouton is turning into an all-conference LB  (Yes, I said it).  He is a beast.  3 great plays for every 1 bad play is ok by me.

Roundtree is my offensive vote because he is tough as nails and set a great example for the team by getting out there and playing through the pain  - Oh, and being a clutch receiver

Joined: 04/15/2009

MGoPoints: 10053

BiSB

September 13th, 2010 at 2:11 PM ^

I was also particularly impressed with Thomas Gordon.  Didn't look like a liability at all, and made some nice tackles (as well as our only sack). 

Roundtree and Odoms both played like mini-ninjas, took some hits, and threw some key blocks.

Joined: 08/15/2009

MGoPoints: 46071

kman23

September 13th, 2010 at 5:38 PM ^

I second Gordon. He was amazing for a first ever start, had a HUGE sack, and effectively shut down all short routes. Rudolph did nothing short (which is when Gordon was covering him) and Allen had few (maybe 0) catches where he slipped out of the backfield on deep routes. This is 100% on Gordon being aware and not forgetting about the RB when Crist was holding onto the ball forever.

 

Mouton was good but did what I expect out a 4 year starter. Gordon was solid in his first ever start.

Joined: 08/03/2009

MGoPoints: 152

pasadenablue

September 13th, 2010 at 2:11 PM ^

I'd also like to see JT Floyd get some love too.  He's been playing with a bunch of, well, scrubs, in the secondary, and he's kept them together.  With the exception of a few big plays, the secondary not only held, but provided turnovers.  And Floyd managed to keep the Michael Firebreathing Floyd in check all afternoon long.

Joined: 11/18/2008

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blueheron

September 13th, 2010 at 2:14 PM ^

I'm focusing on only a single play here, but I thought Thomas Gordon's sack of Crist was pretty cool.  For those keeping score, that was a redshirt freshman and (for what it's worth) a low 3-star Rivals recruit.  He has arguably contributed more this year than his higher-rated Cass Tech teammates (Will Campbell and Teric Jones).

Joined: 03/26/2009

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ish

September 13th, 2010 at 2:16 PM ^

mouton on D.  roh and martin played good games as well.  they were held often though it wasn't called like it was on us.  schilling had a good game, as did molk.  roundtree of the skill players.

Joined: 06/30/2008

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Moleskyn

September 13th, 2010 at 2:21 PM ^

I would actually vote for Odoms. Obviously, everyone mentioned so far had great performances, but it seemed like almost every catch he had went for a first down. Definitely very reliable. And even though he didn't find the end zone, he only came about 1 yard short.

Joined: 06/28/2010

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michgoblue

September 13th, 2010 at 2:27 PM ^

I would give the game ball to the coaching staff.  The offensive play calling has, in my opinion, been perfect.  A great mix of run and throw (even if all of those runs are Denard, but that is a result of ND's D strategery and Denard's live reads).  Great job of playing to Denard's strengths and putting him in situations where he can succeed.

Same goes on D.  Given the young, thin and, somewhat cobbled together, secondary, our defense has held up better than I thought.  6 three and outs.  A bunch of big stops.  And, while bend-but-don't-break is always frustrating to watch, they have done it well, mixing in just enough pressure on the QB while still allowing the safeties to hang back and help out our weak secondary. 

Well coached game for the second straight week.

Joined: 11/16/2009

MGoPoints: 32166

M-Wolverine

September 13th, 2010 at 2:41 PM ^

But I wouldn't go to the extent of "perfect".  There's room for improvement everywhere. I actually think last Saturday, at least, the defensive coaching did a better job than the offense. The breakdowns were more "player, oops" than calls.  

Again, don't get me wrong...it hasn't been anywhere been anything near bad coaching. It's way above the median.  But there were a few time on third and short at midfield/ND territory on 3rd and short we're throwing the ball, when one or two runs would almost assure a first down, instead of leaving us with a long field goal. (They weren't SUPER long...but they weren't chip shots either).  So, I wouldn't call it perfect.

But the coaching was probably very much the same. And would have looked horrible if we had lost, and always looks great when we win.  It's amazing what a difference the final score makes to the Coach's intelligence.  ;-)

Joined: 10/04/2009

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michgoblue

September 13th, 2010 at 2:57 PM ^

Ok, using "perfect" was channeling my inner Fred Jackson, but I don't disagree with the 2nd field goal try.  Yes, Gibbons is not looking to be a strong point, but it was only a 40 yard fg.  A D1 kicker should have a more than 50% chance of hitting that one, and if he does, then ND's final TD only ties the game and doesn't give ND a lead.

Joined: 11/16/2009

MGoPoints: 32166

Seth

September 13th, 2010 at 2:55 PM ^

Um.....okay, but first you have to name an MVP for the Warriors/Knicks game on March 2, 1962, and you can't pick Chamberlain.

(Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, what stood out to you about the play?)

Joined: 10/14/2008

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captainbatman

September 13th, 2010 at 3:30 PM ^

So many good selections so far, but personally I was most pleasantly surprised to see James Rogers and not in an "OH GOD NO!" type scenario. I noticed him make a couple of plays that I didn't expect given the apocalyptic talk about our secondary. Of course, given my frenzied (drunk) and uneducated (more drunk) watching of football, I may have missed deficiencies in his performance.

Joined: 10/27/2008

MGoPoints: -2818

TheOracle6

September 13th, 2010 at 3:48 PM ^

Martavious Odoms is my pick.  Ever since he has been on campus the kid has done nothing but show up and play his ass off.  The kid is a great blocker and has great hands and very excellent toughness.  Any team in the country wants a kid like Martavious, I'm just glad we've got him and no one else. 

Roy Roundtree is the obvious choice for most, he is also very tough, sure handed, and had a crucial block in sending Denard 87 yards to the house.  His last catch set up the game winning TD. 

Honorable mention:  The entire offensive line!

Joined: 09/02/2010

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