Big Ten Power Rankings: Wisconsin Badgers are for real

Michigan’s defense was their biggest strength coming into this season, but their offense has been just as good. Through four weeks, they have scored 45+ points in every single game, but they killed Penn State in a different way.

If there was one criticism people had of Michigan’s high-powered offense, it was that they didn’t have consistent play at tailback. Well they addressed that issue head on, as they ran all over the Nittany Lions.

De’Veon Smith had his best game of the season, recording 107 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. Karan Higdon finished with nine carries for 81 yards and two touchdowns. All told, Michigan finished with 326 rushing yards as a team. Five players combined for six touchdowns on the ground, with four different players logging at least 50 yards.

But I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the contribution of Jabrill Peppers. While he couldn’t replicate his outstanding showing from last week, he garnered the attention of both the Penn State offense and defense. For example, on their opening drive, Peppers gashed them on a 53-yard punt return, which led to a touchdown. Two drives later, Peppers was used as a decoy out of the backfield, and a fake jet sweep to him allowed De’Veon Smith to get a 39-yard gain.

Peppers is such a unique weapon to have, and his creativity in each and every game is what’s leading to him getting Heisman love. He’s also being compared to Charles Woodson, the only defensive player to win a Heisman, and a player who, coincidentally, went to Michigan. Woodson also contributed on offense and special teams, but to a lesser extent than Peppers. It’s no secret that he was vital to Michigan’s national championship in 1997.

Peppers isn’t someone you can gameplan for, but we’ll see how Wisconsin deals with him in Week 5.