Observations on the win over Illinois, 19-17
Michigan gained 4 red zones for 13 points; Illinois gained 10 points for 2 red zone journies. Illinois couldn't convert a Michigan turnover into points. It was a cold 25 degree day in Ann Arbor with a stiff 15 mph wind, and the Wolverines were without 3 starters: Trevor Keegan, Mike Morris, and Luke Schoonmaker.
Offense gained 376 yards with 168 on the ground, and were 10 of 23 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Blake Corum accounted for 108 yards on 18 carries for a TD plus 2 receptions for 39 yards, but left the game with a lower leg injury; he could only manage one play in the second half, and the Wolverines were a different offense team without him. J.J. McCarthy was 18 of 34 for 208 yards, and ran 7 times for 18 yards; he overthew many receivers all day long, and missed a lot of open receivers. In addition, a couple key drops by Andrel Anthony and Isaiah Gash didn't help either. Donovan Edwards was also held out with injury, and C.J. Stokes had 11 carries for 36 yards. Gash, a walk-on, had 3 carries for 6 yards, and 3 receptions for 24 yards. Freshman Colston Loveland caught 3 passes for 50 yards. Cornelius Johnson had 5 receptions for 38 yards. Ronnie Bell had 3 receptions for 44 yards, but no catches at all in the second half. Michigan gained a 10 minute time of possession advantage resulting in 10 more offensive plays. Sydney Brown had 8 tackles to lead Illinois; Seth Coleman and Isaac Karkangelo had 7 tackles each. Devon Witherspoon had 5 tackles and 2 pass break ups, and really leveled a few Wolverines today. Xavier Scott forced the Corum fumble in the red zone.
Defense gave up 14 points in the 3rd quarter, but held Illinois scoreless in the final stanza; that was enough to give the Wolverine offense a shot to win the game, and they did. Illinois gained 326 total yards with 20 first downs, and were 5 of 15 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with at least 5 "3 and outs." Chase Brown had 29 carries for 140 yards, and 2 TDS plus 3 receptions for 24 yards. Tommy Devito was 21 of 30 for 178 yards. Casey Washington had 8 receptions for 53 yards; Isaiah Williams and Brian Hightower had 7 receptions each. Junior Colson led Wolverine tacklers with 6 stops; six defenders had 5 tackles each including R.J. Moten, Mike Sainristil, Mazi Smith, Michael Barrett, Rod Moore, and Kris Jenkins.
Special Teams were the difference with Jake Moody hitting 4 field goals including 3 in the 4th quarter with the game winner with 9 seconds left; Moody also hit 5 of 6 kickoffs for touchbacks, and assisted on a tackle with Matt Hibner. Brad Robbins punted 4 times for a 28.5 yard average with 2 downed inside the 20. Ronnie Bell had a huge 45 yard punt return. Illinois punted 5 times for a 41 yard average by Hugh Robertson with one downed inside the 20. Caleb Griffin kicked the first half Illini field goal.
Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good! Bring on the Buckeyes! Go Blue!