The Maize Team was down 21-20 with just under two minutes to play in Michigan's annual spring game, but then took the lead on a ballsy two-point conversion play orchestrated by none other than Mike Hart.
The "head coach" had to watch two of his running backs pound the rock all day as members of the Blue Team as Kalel Mullings and Benjamin Hall both showed how good they can be as big, bruising backs, but the experienced running backs coach didn't let that phase him. He remained poised and cool and ultimately dialed up the right two-point play to give the Maize Team the 22-21 victory.
Obviously the players on each team wanted to win, but for fans and media members, it was more about what went on during the game. JJ McCarthy wasn't incredible, but he did make some incredible throws. Jaylen Harrell made some really nice plays early on. The young cornerbacks looked solid as did potential starter Amorion Walker. And welcome to the show, Peyton O'Leary. The walk-on turned scholarship wide receiver finished the day with six catches for 126 yards and the game-winning two-point reception.
At the end of the day, however, the biggest story might've been Hart's two backs on the losing Blue Team. Hall and Mullings appear to be battling for the No. 3 running back spot as the spring winds down. Sophomore CJ Stokes didn't play today, and has been great during spring ball per Hart, but Mullings and Hall really showed flashes today being bruising, powerful, effective backs in Michigan's run-heavy system. Mullings carried the ball nine times for 37 yards while Hall toted it 13 times for 102 yards. Both young men scored a touchdown on the day.
Sure, it's just a battle to be the third back, but there just aren't many intriguing position battles heading into 2023. The Wolverines are loaded, several position rooms are absolutely bursting at the seams with talent and depth, and today, Jim Harbaugh got to stand back and watch it all with a smile on his face.
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