Michigan’s performance in the Outback bowl was full of forgettable moments. As Michigan fumbled away the game, frustration from the fan base became extremely palpable. However, don’t be naive and think the players don’t share those same intense feelings.
The second half was a disaster across the board with mishaps in all three phases of the game. While everybody contributed to the collapse, unfortunately, some plays stick out more. This was the case for Michigan’s freshman receiver and return man, Donovan Peoples-Jones. To put it nicely, Peoples-Jones had a rough day in the Outback Bowl. A muffed punt inside Michigan’s own 20-yard line with under six minutes to go is one that he would certainly like to have back. Then on Michigan’s pursuing drive, with the muffed punt still fresh in his memory, he dropped a perfect pass from Brandon Peters to start the drive.
As painful as that was to watch the freshman wide-out is well aware of his mishaps today and has a message for his fans.
I will learn.. I will be better.. don't be a fan later…
— Donovan Peoples-Jones (@dpeoplesjones) January 1, 2018
A comforting message from Peoples-Jones as Michigan fans struggle to grasp what just happened. Expectations were extremely high for the five-star freshman and while he may have fallen short of some of those, he did show promise and maturity. Aside from the Outback Bowl performance, Peoples-Jones began to pick it up as the year went on. Including an exciting return against Ohio State.
Peoples-Jones will finish the season with 22 receptions for 277 yards. To put that in perspective Braylon Edwards, former Michigan star receiver, finished his freshman year with three catches for 38 yards, albeit in only six games. The point is, there is a lot of room for growth and Donovan Peoples-Jones sounds ready to prove himself next year.
