Michigan Wolverines defeated Ohio State 13-10, ending the Buckeyes' Big Ten title hopes. Pro Football Focus (PFF) data highlights Michigan's top performers, with Myles Hinton leading offensively and Mason Graham excelling defensively. Hinton's run and pass-blocking were standout, while Graham's run defense was pivotal. Despite some struggles in the secondary, Michigan's defense played a crucial role in the victory.
The Michigan Wolverines delivered a dominant 50-6 victory over Northwestern, marking their most complete performance of the season. The offense achieved a season-high in points, while the defense restricted Northwestern to a season-low score. Pro Football Focus (PFF) data highlighted standout performances from players like Myles Hinton and Evan Link, who excelled in pass-blocking. Despite a solid showing, quarterback Davis Warren's performance was marred by an interception. On defense, Mason Graham and Jo’Ziah Edmond were among the top performers, though the team's pass-rushing was rated poorly.
The Oregon Ducks defeated the Michigan Wolverines 38-17, with Michigan's performance hindered by penalties, coaching decisions, and inconsistent quarterback play. Pro Football Focus (PFF) data highlighted Colston Loveland as Michigan's top offensive player, while Mason Graham led defensively. The Wolverines' two-quarterback system showed promise, but players like Semaj Morgan and Aamir Hall struggled, contributing to the loss. Injuries also impacted Michigan's defense, allowing Oregon to capitalize on their passing game.
Tennessee football defeated Kentucky 28-18, with standout performances from quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who received an elite PFF grade of 90.1, and defensive players Josh Josephs and James Pearce Jr. Despite the victory, Tennessee's offensive line struggled, with four of the five lowest grades coming from linemen. On defense, young players like Jalen Smith and Boo Carter excelled, although the team's run defense showed weaknesses, highlighting the absence of Keenan Pili.
The Michigan Wolverines secured a 27-20 overtime victory against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl, advancing to the national championship game. Player performance grades from PFF highlighted key contributors, with Tyler Morris leading the offense with a grade of 82.2 and the offensive line showing significant improvement in pass blocking. Defensively, Michigan's coverage was pivotal, posting an 89.4 grade, and the defense's pressure on the quarterback was relentless, with five sacks from different players. The win marks a significant step towards Michigan's first national championship since 1997.
Tennessee triumphed over Iowa with a 35-0 win in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, finishing their season 9-4. Pro Football Focus grades revealed QB Nico Iamaleava as the top offensive player for Tennessee, while LEO James Pearce Jr. received the highest defensive grade, possibly the best in three seasons of PFF grading. The Vols' offense faced challenges in pass protection and wide receiver performance, and with top rushers opting out, Dylan Sampson and Cameron Seldon stepped up effectively in the running game. The secondary, particularly safeties Andre Turrentine and Jaylen McCollough, also performed well, ending the season on a high note.
The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a crucial 30-23 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17, with standout performances from QB Mason Rudolph, WR George Pickens, and RB Najee Harris. Rudolph's efficient passing and Harris's first 100-yard game of the season were instrumental in the win, which keeps the Steelers' playoff hopes alive. The offensive line and run game were also key factors, while on defense, backup edge rushers Nick Herbig and Markus Golden made significant impacts. Despite some lower grades, particularly in run blocking, the team's overall performance was strong, highlighted by the Steelers' control of time of possession and explosive plays. Special teams had mixed results, with Miles Killebrew excelling in kick return tackles. The article also provides detailed PFF grades and snap counts for individual players.
The Green Bay Packers delivered their best performance of the 2023 season against the Minnesota Vikings, with standout Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades for players like WR Jayden Reed (92.7), QB Jordan Love (90.8), and WR Bo Melton (89.5). On defense, OLB Preston Smith (90.3) and LB Isaiah McDuffie (87.1) were top performers. However, some players like C Josh Myers (37.4) and OLB Kingsley Enagbare (47.7) received lower grades. Love excelled under pressure and against the blitz, contributing significantly to the Packers' 33-10 victory.
In the Carolina Panthers' Week 17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, LT Ikem Ekwonu received the highest offensive grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) despite being responsible for multiple sacks and pressures, while LG Cade Mays had the lowest offensive grade. On defense, DT Derrick Brown led with the highest grade, and OLB DJ Johnson had the lowest. The grades reflect individual performances in a game where the Panthers struggled, with surprising outcomes such as Ekwonu's high grade despite apparent issues in pass protection.
Clemson's football team secured a 38-35 victory over Kentucky in the Gator Bowl, with standout performances from players like Barrett Carter on defense and Phil Mafah on offense. Pro Football Focus (PFF) provided grades and snap counts, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of individual players and units. Quarterback Cade Klubnik faced significant pressure but performed well with a clean pocket, while the offensive line received criticism for their pass and run blocking. On defense, Carter's return next season is highly anticipated after a strong game, and Xavier Thomas ended his collegiate career on a high note. Despite some challenges, the team's overall effort led to a successful bowl game conclusion.
