Mike Sainristil Named Week 12 Big Ten Defensive Player Of The Week

The Wolverines nickel back earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week

For the second time this season, a Michigan defensive player earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week. 

After a two-interception and three-tackle day, Mike Sainristil is the latest Michigan player to earn the award. 

The only other Wolverine to earnt the award was Edge rusher Josaiah Stewart. 

Mike's fourth game of the year with an INT and first of his career with two in the same game!#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/eFYqk2Bp45

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) November 20, 2023

Sainristil was a huge reason the Wolverines moved to 11-0 and defeated Maryland 31-24. He made two huge interceptions and some key tackles. The first INT came at midfield when Maryland was driving, but Tagovailoa threw a pass to the right side of the field that Sainristil stepped in front of. Michigan scored a touchdown on the next drive. 

The next INT also came near midfield and stopped yet another Terrapins drive. 

Here are some tidbits from the Big Ten's release:

• Recorded two picks in the second half for the first two-interception game of his career in a 31-24 win against Maryland
• Picked off a pass at midfield -- his second interception of the game and fifth of the season -- and the Wolverines forced their second safety of the game with less than four minutes remaining in regulation
• Was a one-score game at the time of his interception (23-17 then 29-24) and his interceptions led to points both times
• Earns the first Defensive Player of the Week accolade of his career
• Last Michigan Defensive Player of the Week: Josaiah Stewart (Oct. 2, 2023)