MICHIGAN NOTEBOOK: Roh settling in at defensive end

Michigan cornerback James Rogers intercepts a pass intended for Antavian Edison.

Michael Conroy / ASSOCIATED PRESS

Michigan sophomore Roy Roundtree, who originally committed to Purdue, hauled in six catches for 69 yards and a touchdown.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Craig Roh says he feels more comfortable at his new position of defensive end.

Roh's stomach, though, probably won't be feeling the same way as he attempts to add weight to his linebacker's frame.

"If I don't eat 4,000 calories a day, I lose weight," Roh said, insisting he wasn't embellishing that figure. "I'm always trying to get bigger. It's even more of a point now because I'm an end."

The 250-pound sophomore played well Saturday in his second full stint on the defensive line, forcing a fumble and playing a hand in an interception in Michigan's 27-16 win at Purdue.

"I just really like end," Roh said. "It's really natural for me."

Roh put a close to Purdue's second drive when he came barreling past the right tackle to clobber running back Dan Dierking. Roh went after quarterback Sean Robinson too because "one of them has to have the ball." The ball instead landed on the turf, and Cam Gordon picked it up and took off for a 58-yard touchdown.

Roh won't get statistical credit for his role in James Roger's second interception, but his pressure of Robinson caused the freshman to throw an errant pass.

UM coach Rich Rodriguez said moving Roh to his natural position probably should have been done earlier in the season.

Michigan cornerback James Rogers intercepts a pass intended for Antavian Edison.

"There's no question he's more comfortable there," Rodriguez said.

MOUNDROS STARTS: With outside linebacker Jonas Mouton unable to go because of a chest injury, senior captain Mark Moundros played extensively on defense for the first time in his career.

Moundros, a fullback prior to this fall, recorded two solo tackles.

"It felt great to get out there, but the win is what feels great no matter who plays," Moundros said. "As long as we're winning, that's all I care about."

ROUNDTREE RETURNS: For the first time since he was in high school, UM sophomore Roy Roundtree visited Purdue, and the locals have not yet forgotten that Roundtree originally had pledged to be a Boilermaker.

"I heard a lot of 'traitor' and all that, but I don't speak to them," Roundtree said. "I just go out there and try to play my hardest."

Roundtree didn't match his 10-catch performance of last year when these teams met, but he was able to fire back at his hecklers with a nine-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter. He finished with six catches for 69 yards.

CRUSHER KERRIGAN: The Wolverines had no answer for Purdue senior defensive end Ryan Kerrigan who recorded four sacks - the total number UM had allowed all season entering the day - and forced two fumbles, the second of which set a new Big Ten record at 14. Simeon Rice (Illinois) and Bob Sanders (Iowa) shared the old mark.

"Kerrigan's a great player," Rodriguez said. "We had a hard time with him at times."

INJURIES: Rodriguez said running back Michael Shaw may have suffered a concussion. The coach hopes noseguard Mike Martin (ankle) and Jonas Mouton (chest) are available to play Saturday against Wisconsin.

Contact Ryan Autullo at: rautullo@theblade.com or 419-724-6160.