Observations on the loss to Wisconsin, 11-49

Wisconsin pummeled Michigan from start to finish with 6 red zones for 42 points; the Wolverines could only manage one red zone for zero points. The Badgers gained 14 points on Wolverine turnovers.

Offense only had 10 first downs and gained 219 yards in 45 plays with only 47 yards in net rushing, and 2 turnovers. Joe Milton was 9 of 19 for 98 yards, and ran 7 times for 15 yards. Cade McNamara was 4 of 7 for 74 yards and a TD to Mike Sainristil for 23 yards. Michigan was 3 of 12 in 3rd and 4th down conversions; Wisconin dominated time of possession by 20:30 minutes leading to a 28 play adavantage. Ronnie Bell caught 4 passes for 56 yards; Nick Eubanks caught 2 passes for 41 yards.

Wisconsin powered through a inept Michigan defense for 26 first downs, 468 total yards wtih 341 on the ground; the Badgers were 8 of 13 in 3rd down conversions. Graham Mertz was 12 of 22 for 127 yards and 2 TDs; he ran three times for 4 yards, and was sacked once. Nakai Watson had 12 carries for 65 yards and 2 TDs; former Wolverine Recruit, Jalen Berger, ran 15 times for 87 yards and a TD plus had 2 receptions for 13 yards. Jake Ferguson hauled in 4 passes for 51 yards and a TD. Daxton Hill led the defense with 6 tackles, and Gemon Green had 5. Michigan could only force Wisconsin into 2 punts on the first and last possessions of the half.

Brad Robbins punted 5 times for a 42.4 yard average; Michigan had 4 kickoff returns for 115 yards including a 43 yarder by Giles Jackson. Quinn Nordin hit a 46 yard field goal.

Ward Manuel needs to replace Jim Harbaugh and his staff in December; if he doesn't do so, then he should also be fired. This team has performed below expectations, and expectations for this football program have been lowered during the Harbaugh Era of 6 seasons. This is unacceptable. We need to bring in a high quality coach from the "outside" to revamp this program; Fielding Yost, Fritz Crisler, and Bo Schembechler were all "outsiders" when they came to Ann Arbor. Go Blue!

Observations on the first half with Wisconsin Player Participation Box Score Post Game Press Conference: Harbaugh Kemp McGrone Sainristil