COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The lopsided result dampened many of the big moments on Saturday, but Michigan’s special teams unit accounted for several in the 59-18 win over Maryland.
Walk-on receiver Matt Torey came up with the second-quarter punt block that set up the Wolverines’ third touchdown drive of the game, a four-play, 42-yard sequence engineered by backup quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Then, as Maryland tried to make a game of it in the third quarter, Michigan pulled a trick out of its book on the ensuing kickoff. A pooch kick to Michael Barrett on the far left sideline set up nicely for the former high school quarterback, who tossed the football to A.J. Henning on the other side of field. Henning had plenty of running room and raced down the sideline for an 81-yard touchdown.
“That play was just drawn up for this week, actually,” Henning said. “We probably got about three reps at it. Mike B. didn’t throw it that good at all week; I’m not going to lie.
“He made a great throw in the game and those guys sealed the deal on the outside with the blocks and just gave me a bunch of space. That was great.”
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Head coach Jim Harbaugh said the staff noticed Maryland cross-kicking the ball once or twice a game and figured they’d give it a try if it happened against them. They did, and it worked flawlessly.
“You’ve got to highlight Trente Jones (on that); he was rolling out in front of A.J.,” Harbaugh said. “A.J. put it in top gear, as well. Great play by Mike Barrett, A.J., Trente and the whole unit.”
On the kicking front, Jake Moody converted a field goal of 39 yards out, making him 17-for-17 on field-goal attempts under 40 this season. He continues to be a reliable option for the Michigan offense.
Punter Brad Robbins sent three kicks for 136 yards, pinning two inside the Maryland 20-yard line.
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A PICK-6: Junior D.J. Turner continued his string of strong play at cornerback, registering two tackles a highlight-reel interception that saw him return the football 42 yards for a touchdown.
It was Turner’s second interception of the season since taking over the starting role Oct. 23 against Northwestern.
“That was huge, because we were having a tough time getting them stopped,” Harbaugh said. “They opened it up the second and third drive of the second half, and D.J. makes the huge play on the interception and pick-6.”
ABSENCES: Safety Brad Hawkins was taken to the Michigan locker room during the first half of Saturday’s game with an undisclosed injury. He never returned, and Harbaugh said afterward he doesn’t think it’s serious. “I don’t think it’s going to be,” Harbaugh said. “But I don’t know for sure.”
… Defensive end Taylor Upshaw did not make the trip. Harbaugh suggested that the redshirt junior was injured but declined to offer specifics.
… Despite being available, Michigan opted not to play running back Blake Corum (ankle) and corner Gemon Green (undisclosed). Both made the trip and were in uniform.
