Observations on the first half with Indiana, 21-7

Michigan was outplayed by Indiana in the first quarter, but came back in the second quarter with 3 red zones for 21 points; the Hoosiers turned the ball over in their only red zone opportunity as Rod Moore had a 38 yard return, but the Wolverines couldn't capitalize as they went "3 and out."

Offense started slow with two "3 and outs," but came through with 187 total yards with only 34 on the ground after giving up 3 early sacks. The Wolverines gained 12 first downs, and 3 of 6 in 3rd and 4th down conversions; J.J. McCarthy hit 11 of 14 for 153 yards and a TD. Blake Corum ran 8 times for 32 yards and 2 TDs; he also lassoed a 15 yard pass. Donovan Edwards gained 11 yards in 6 carries, and caught 2 passes for 33 yards. Roman Wilson caught 2 passes for 9 yards and a TD. Tyler Morris caught 2 passes for 37 yards. Colston Loveland caught 2 passes for 26 yards. A.J. Barner caught an 18 yard pass. Cornelius Johnson caught a 15 yard pass. Jacob Mangum-Farrar led Indiana with 5 tackles.

Defense gave up a TD, but played well after that. Indiana gained 166 net yards with 8 first downs with 58 on the ground; they were 4 of 8 in 3rd down conversions. Brendan Sorsby, Tayven Jackson, and Donoven McCulley combined for 11 of 18 for 108 yards and a TD; Sorsby ran 5 times for 36 yards. Former Wolverine, Christian Turner, ran 5 times for 15 yards. Jaylin Lucas had 4 receptions for 49 yards and a TD. Defense forced 3 punts and one turnover with 5 quarterback hits. Junior Colson led the defense with 6 tackles. Michigan actually was way behind in time of possession after the first quarter, but came out with nearly a 2 minute time of possession advantage resulting in 3 more offensive plays.

Special Teams were again led by Tommy Doman with 2 piunts for a 36 yard average. Tyler Morris had a sensational 27 yard punt return. Semaj Morgan managed 8 yards on a kickoff return. Indiana had 4 penalties for 44 yards which really helped; A.J. Barner was called for a questionable unsportsmanlike penalty. Former Wolverine, Zach Carpenter, took a hands in the face penalty that negated a completed bomb over Keshaun Harris for about a 40 yard gain.

Second Half could be a stomping if we score on the opening drive! If not, we could be in for a defensive struggle. Tom Allen is a great coach, and he had the Hoosiers well-prepared on both sides of the ball. Go Blue!