Karan Higdon does not often go backward.
Just seven times in all of 2017 was Michigan's top rusher wrapped up behind the line of scrimmage, and never for more than a couple forgettable yards in the wrong direction scattered among a flurry of shoulder-lowering, forward-falling carries. Those seven plays added up to 12 total negative yards, but without them Michigan's offense this fall might have looked entirely different.
The senior captain has emerged as the undisputed top back for a resurgent rushing game in Ann Arbor. With six consecutive 100-yard rushing performances, Higdon and the offensive line clearing the way for him have plowed a clear path to playoff contention as the No.