Facing an overmatched Rutgers squad on Saturday was exactly what the doctor ordered for the Michigan Wolverines’ football team following its embarrassing blowout loss at Wisconsin the week before.
The 52-0 drubbing of the Scarlet Knights helped restore some much-needed confidence in the Maize and Blue, with senior cornerback Lavert Hill admitting tonight that it gave the club a boost moving forward.
“We needed it a lot to give us momentum going into this week against Iowa,” he exclaimed. “It was a good bounce-back game for us.”
The Wolverines have no time to relax, however, with the undefeated Iowa Hawkeyes coming to town on Saturday afternoon for a monstrous clash.
Having already watched some tape of the Hawkeyes, Hill was asked this evening to give his assessment of the club and what has made them so tough this season.
“They have a good bunch of receivers, including [redshirt sophomore and former U-M wideout] Oliver Martin, so he’s a good asset for them,” the senior noted.
“Yeah, it’s very weird [going up against him], but life moves on. He chose a new home, and I just wish him the best.
“I know [his tendencies], but I’m keeping that to myself. Their quarterback [senior Nate Stanley] is pretty good and he’s been there for a long time, so he knows their program well.
“We just try to stop our man from catching the ball and try to get interceptions, so hopefully he’ll throw one.”
Hill already has one pick under his belt this season, a crucial game-changing interception at the goal line in the third quarter of the Sept. 7 Army affair, which helped lead to U-M’s double-overtime victory that day.
The senior was asked to evaluate his own play through four games this season, being reminded of the fact that opposing offenses have seldom targeted him.
“Improvement each week and getting better on my technique,” he said. “I’m getting more comfortable out there and getting better.
“I just go out there and play hard every play — if the ball comes my way I’ll make a play on it, but if it doesn’t, I’ll run to it, show effort and give it all I have for this team.”
Notes
• Freshman safety/nickelback Daxton Hill saw his first extensive game action on Saturday against Rutgers, receiving 29 snaps and delivering a crushing blow to RU sophomore cornerback Avery Young on a punt return in the second quarter.
The youngster flashed the immense potential he has during several plays over the weekend, and Lavert Hill (no relation) noted that the game is finally slowing down for the Oklahoma native.
“Dax has been practicing hard each week and is getting better," Lavert Hill said. "His mind is starting to slow down and he’s getting a feel for the game. I’ve seen a big jump from him in the last couple of weeks.
"It’s been gradual because he just has to get his feet wet during games, like he did against Rutgers. He went out there and made a few plays. Everybody will get their chance, but you have to take it one day at a time and keep getting better, and it will all pay off.
"The speed of the game is faster in college than in high school, so your mind has to slow down and grasp everything — then you go out there and go hard."
• There was some friendly banter this evening between Hill and junior wideout Nico Collins, with the former revealing that he has the edge over the 6-4 wideout in practice. With that being said, the senior cornerback was sure to give props to the Alabama native as well.
“Nico gives us problems every day, but we give him problems too, so don’t get that wrong," Hill laughed. "He’s a big dude, is real physical and has a knack for the ball, so competing with him is a good challenge.
"His hands are pretty big and he doesn’t drop the ball that much either.
"The corners [have the advantage though]. We have a little edge on him right now."
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