UM's Metellus gets instant redemption with pick-six

Ann Arbor — Michigan safety Josh Metellus had the biggest two-play turnaround in Michigan’s 45-20 victory over SMU on Saturday.

Metellus had just been called for a pass interference and gave the Mustangs a first down at the Michigan 36. But on the next play, he intercepted Ben Hicks’ pass and took off, returning it 73 yards for a touchdown before time expired at the end of the first half.

“The penalty, in my opinion, in my defense, I didn’t think I held him or pass interference, whatever they called,” Metellus said. “But I just knew that play was over because I had to keep going because they were close to scoring.

“Right before the play I looked up at the clock and seen it was 17 seconds because I was trying to figure out what type of plays we can get. I just knew once I caught the ball, I’ve got to score before time runs out.”

Metellus made some terrific moves during the return, but he credited his teammates for the touchdown.

“I was just happy as soon as I caught the ball all my teammates started running down field ready to block,” Metellus said. “That’s what we’ve been doing this whole offseason, being there for each other and they were there for me and they got me into the end zone.”

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Injury update

Starting running back Karan Higdon did not play against SMU because of an undisclosed injury.

“Karan was a game-time decision,” Harbaugh said. “He didn’t feel like he could go.”

Chris Evans started and finished with 85 yards on 18 carries. He left the game with an undisclosed injury.

“We’ll see what his situation is exactly if there’s some kind of strain or a cramp,” Harbaugh said.

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