The Michigan Wolverines put together easily their worst performance of the 2024 season on Saturday, losing to Illinois by a final score of 21-7. There was plenty of bad and blame to go around, but here’s a look a the four Wolverines that stood out in a good way during the game and will take home a game ball for their efforts.
Josaiah Stewart
Aside from Will Johnson, Josaiah Stewart has proven to be the best player on Michigan’s defense this season. His leadership and play contributed to his recent elevation to captain status and he made an impact against Illinois from the jump, regularly getting into the backfield and keeping quarterback Luke Altmyer on his toes.
Stewart compiled six tackles and two sacks. He was consistently getting pressure from the get go and the Illini were throwing everything they had at him to try and limit his impact. He even sported a ripped jersey for much of the game after a first quarter holding call. Stewart ripping his way through opposing offensive lines has become a common theme, and it should continue the rest of the year.
Jaishawn Barham
Linebacker Jaishawn Barham had been pretty quiet in recent weeks, but he definitely broke out against Illinois. It seemed like he was always near the football, flying around to make plays in both the run and pass games. He had seven tackles, including 0.5 for a loss, and a pass breakup.
A great showing from Barham is a big development for Michigan’s defense. He’s been solid, but has left a little something to be desired after his big debut game against Fresno State. Him wreaking havoc against the run and the pass is what Michigan fans hoped for when he transferred from Maryland. Hopefully this game helps him and the rest of the defense step in the right direction.
Kalel Mullings
Unsurprisingly, Michigan struggled to throw the ball early in this game, and with a mismatch against the Illini defensive front, Sherrone Moore and Michigan opted for a more run-centric approach toward the end of the first half. That featured plenty of runs from Mullings, who scored Michigan’s lone touchdown with a one-yard run late in the second quarter…