Stories by Ben Estes
Offensive line looking to clear more holes for running backs
- Erin Kirkland/Daily
BY BEN ESTES
For the Michigan football team’s rushing attack, Saturday’s performance against Air Force was something like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Ben Estes: Defense in doubt
- Todd Needle/Daily
BY BEN ESTES
The sound that defined the Michigan football team’s 31-25 win over Air Force on Saturday afternoon? It wasn’t the many renditions of “The Victors” that rang out from the Michigan Marching Band as the pageantry of college football returned to Ann Arbor for a 133rd season.
Football saturday
Breaching the Border: Michigan football’s history with the state of Ohio, and Hoke's resurgence
BY BEN ESTES
CINCINNATI — It’s just past dawn on a day in early August here, though this scene could be found anywhere in this state: other big cities such as Columbus or Cleveland, smaller suburbs such as Pickerington or Lakewood, quainter towns like Findlay.
Starting cornerback Blake Countess out for year with ACL tear
BY BEN ESTES
As the gunner on the punt team, Countess was knocked down hard by his Crimson Tide counterpart and landed awkwardly on his knee. Countess had to be helped off the field and used crutches to enter the locker room after the game ended.
With Robinson little-used on ground, offense can't get moving against Crimson Tide
- Alden Reiss/Daily
BY BEN ESTES
ARLINGTON, Texas — With 4:25 remaining in the third quarter of Saturday night’s Cowboys Classic, senior quarterback Denard Robinson hit the ground, writhing in pain, and the Michigan football team’s season flashed before its eyes.
Michigan faces stiff challenge in season opener against No. 2 Alabama
- Erin Kirkland/Daily
BY BEN ESTES
ARLINGTON, Texas — If you believe the song, the stars are big and bright in the heart of Texas.
Notebook: Kovacs, Robinson 'honored' to be captains, Hoke has 'idea' of Toussaint’s status
- Erin Kirkland/Daily
BY BEN ESTES
Senior quarterback Denard Robinson and the fifth-year senior Kovacs said on Monday that they were “honored” to be voted by their teammates as the team’s two captains this season.
football
Notebook: Offense won’t change if Rawls replaces Toussaint, Mattison looks for versatility on line
- Marissa McClain/Daily
BY BEN ESTES
Even though Wolverine coaching staff hasn't confirmed, the suspension of starting running back Fitzgerald Toussaint makes sophomore Thomas Rawls the likely option at the position.
Barnum, offensive line jelling despite noisy distractions
- Stephen J. Nesbitt/Daily
BY BEN ESTES
If you were doing your best to throw off the communication of an offensive line by playing music, your first choice probably wouldn’t be anything “clean-cut.”
Football
Countess looks to learn from rookie mistakes in second season
- Alden Reiss/Daily
BY BEN ESTES
By any measure, sophomore cornerback Blake Countess had a successful freshman season. Inserted into action slowly, Countess gradually found his way into a regular role, starting Michigan’s last six games. And he more than held his own, despite his inexperience.
