Observations on the win over Nebraska, 32-29
Michigan gained 6 red zones for 25 points; Nebraska scored 15 points in 3 red zones. The Wolverines scored 6 points off two Cornhusker turnovers, and Nebraska scored 8 points off one Wolverine miscue.
Offense gained 26 first downs, 459 total yards in 81 plays with a 9 minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 21 more offensive plays; the Wolverines were 6 of 15 in 3rd down conversions. Cade McNamara was 22 of 38 for 255 yards, and was sacked once. Hassan Haskins carried 21 times for 123 yards and 2 TDs. Blake Corum had 13 carries for 89 yards and a TD, and 5 receptions for another 37 yards. J.J. McCarthy had 3 carries for a net of 10 yards. Daylen Baldwin had 6 catches for 64 yards; Cornelius Johnson caught 4 passes for 37 yards. Mike Sainristil set up a red zone with a 48 yard catch. Luke Schoonover contributed 2 catches for 29 yards. Joel Honigford caught a 10 yard pass. Erick All caught 2 passes for 26 yards. Nick Henrich led the Cornhusker defense with 15 tackles.
Defense really laid an egg in the second half allowing 4 Husker touchdowns after shutting them out in the first half. Nebraska ended the game with 19 first downs, 431 yards on 60 plays, and were 4 of 14 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Adrian Martinez was 18 of 28 for 291 yards with one interception by Daxton Hill, and 3 TDs; he ran 8 times for 41 yards and a TD, but a late fumble forced by Brad Hawkins set up our final red zone for the win. Rahmir Johnson ran 17 times for 67 yards, and caught 6 receptions for 105 yards and a TD; Scott Frost and staff picked on our weak linebacker pass coverage using Johnson coming out of the backfield. Austin Allen caught 2 passes for 59 yards and a TD. Levi Falk caught 3 passes for 31 yards and a TD. Josh Ross led the defense with 8 tackles; Mazi Smith and Aidan Hutchinson had 6 tackles each. Brad Hawkins forced a fumble on Adrian Martinez with less than 2 minutes to go in the game; he recovered the fumble and advanced it 19 yards to the Nebraska red zone at the 18 for our final score. Hawkins also stopped Martinez in the Cornhuskers first red zone attempt in the 1st quarter with a 4th down tackle for loss; Hawkins had 5 tackles on the evening.
Special Teams won the game for us. Jake Moody knocked home all 4 field goals, and all kickoffs were touchbacks. Brad Robbins punted 4 times with 3 downed inside the 20; this game Nebraska poor field position for much of the game. A.J. Henning almost lost the game for us with a fumble on a punt return, but luckily German Green recovered the bobble. Blake Corum only managed 57 yards in 3 kickoff returns. Nebraska had no kickoff or punt returns.
A well-deserved week off, and then let's Bring on the Wildcats! Go Blue!