Most valuable player, offense: Running back Karan Higdon was a unanimous All-Big Ten third-team selection, and the stalwart back ran hard for his 929 regular-season yards and team-leading 11 rushing touchdowns. He averaged 6.3 yards a carry, ranking him fourth in the Big Ten. He emerged as the team’s leading rusher from a tailback-by-committee approach before Ty Isaac was injured, although Chris Evans came on late this season. Evans was Big Ten honorable mention. Higdon gained more than 150 yards rushing in three games this season, including two of 200 yards or more.
Most valuable player, defense: Fifth-year senior Maurice Hurst is projected as a top pick in the upcoming draft and has been absolutely vital in Michigan’s defense this season.