Observations on the first half with Iowa, 10-3

Michigan converted two red zones for 10 points; Iowa converted one red zones for 3 points. The Wolverines converted 3 points off 3 Hawkeyes turnovers; Iowa converted no points off one Michigan turnover.

Offense gained only 6 first downs, and 66 net yards in 16 rushing attempts; the Wolverines were 2 of 7 in 3rd down conversions for 159 net yards in 32 plays. Shea Patterson was 8 of 16 for 93 yards with an interception; he was sacked once. Nico Collins had 2 receptions for 53 yards including a 51 yarder. Nick Eubanks and Donovan Peoples-Jones also had 2 receptions each. Zach Charbonnet gained 31 net yards in 9 attempts. Hassan Haskins carried twice for 22 yards. Christian Turner fumbled after a 5 yard carry; it was recovered by Ben Bredeson.

Defense was led by Khaleke Hudson with 7 tackles; Daxton Hill had 5 tackles. Kwity Paye had 2 sacks. LaVert Hill and Josh Metellus had interceptions. Aidan Hutchinson had 4 tackles and a tipped pass. Iowa had 9 first downs, and gained 129 net yards in 37 plays with 116 in the air; Nate Stanley was 9 of 19, and was 5 of 9 in 3rd down conversions including two big ones in the second quarter, and the Wolverines got 3 sacks on him. Michigan got a big stop in the red zone. Iowa gained a 4 minute time of possession advantage that gave them 5 more offensive plays despite the 3 turnovers; it is very surprising that they dominated the time of possession despite the 3 turnovers which doesn't say much for our offense.

Special Teams were not good in the half! The highlight was Donovan Peoples-Jones punt return from the 4 to the 40; he fumbled at the end of the play, and it was recovered by Gemon Green. Will Hart punted 4 times for a 44.8 yard average, but had a 30 yarder and a touchback that hurt field position. Team gave up a kickoff to the Hawkeyes returned to the 50, and a 17 yard punt return that came up to the 48. Jake Moody hit a 28 yard field goal; the Hawkeyes also got a 22 yard field goal. Quinn Nordin missed a 58 yard field goal to end the half.

Second Half should be a nailbiter right down to the end! Go Blue