Observations on the win over Bowling Green, 31-6
Michigan converted two of three red zones for 14 points; Bowling Green gained 3 points off two red zones; the Wolverines scored 7 points off three Falcon turnovers, but the Falcons scored 6 points off 4 Wolverine turnovers.
Offense gained 312 yeards with 169 on the ground; they were 1 of 5 on 3rd down conversions with only 15 first downs. J.J. McCarthy had a poor game with 8 of 13 for 143 yards, two touchdowns, but three interceptions; he was sacked once and ran three times for -1 yard. Blake Corum had 12 runs for 101 yards and 2 TDs. Donovan Edwards had 9 runs for 50 yards. Roman Wilson caught two passes for 42 yards and a 33 yard TD. Cornelius Johnson had 3 catches for 71 yards and a TD; Colston Loveland caught 3 passes for 30 yards. Alex Orji, Cole Cabana, Semaj Morgan, and Leon Franklin all got carries in "mop up" duty. Darren Anders has 7 tackles including a sack for the Falcons.
Defense held Bowling Green to 10 first downs and 205 yards with only 81 on the ground with 3 sacks; they were 5 of 15 in 3rd down conversions. Two Falcon quarterbacks, Camden Orth and Hayden Timosciek, hit 14 of 21 passes for 124 yards to 8 different receivers with an end zone drop that would have been a touchdown. Bowling Green dominated time of possession by over 12 minutes, and that resulted in 13 more offensive plays. Junior Colson had 7 tackles to lead the defense; Michael Barrett contributed 5 tackles. Kris Jenkins intercepted a pass in the red zone that ended up in a touchdown, and Quentin Johnson also intercepted a pass. Defense forced 6 punts and 3 turnovers plus stopped 2 red zone opportunities by the Falcons.
A fumble by Max Bredeson ended in a turnover on a kickoff, and another fumble by Braiden McGregor was nearly recovered by the Falcons. Good strategy by Coach Loeffler!!! Tommy Doman hit all 6 kickoffs for touchbacks, and punted 3 times for a 46.3 yard average with two downed inside the 20. Jake Thaw and Tyler Morris had two punt returns for 6 and 22 yards. James Turner hit his only field goal attempt.
It was a sub-standard performance by Michigan at home, and the Wolverine faithful must understand that after three games against patsies, this 2023 team is not as great as expected. This team will struggle through a tough Big Ten schedule, and must improve significantly if they are to earn another shot at a championship in the title game. Go Blue!