Observations on the homecoming win over Illinois, 41-8
Michigan converted 5 red zone trips for 27 points. Illinois had no red zones. The Wolverines scored 3 points off two Illini turnovers, and Illinois couldn't score off one Michigan miscue.
Offense powered for 29 first downs, 561 net yards, and was 8 of 16 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Wilton Speight hit 16 of 23 for 253 yards and 2 TDs. Karan Higdon had 8 carries for 106 yards and a TD. DeVeon Smith gained 76 yards in 18 carries for a TD. Khalid Hill scored another rushing TD. Ty Isaac had 10 carries for 35 yards. Tyrone Wheatley Jr. caught a 21 yard pass for a TD. Amara Darboh caught 4 passes for 69 yards. Jehu Chesson caught 2 passes for 27 yards. Eddie McDoom had a 33 yard pass and a Jet Sweep for 19 yards for 52 total. We were only forced into one punt. Julian Jones and Stanley Green led the Illini with 7 tackles each.
Defense was solid again. Illinois had 6 first downs, one on a questionable penalty on Matt Godin. Jeff George Jr. was 4 for 15 for 95 yards with a 43 yard TD. Illinois was 2 of 11 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Ke'Shawn Vaughn rambled for a 45 yard run, but Illinois netted 172 yards in only 38 offensive plays as we held a 20 minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 49 more offensive plays. Ben Gedeon and Taco Charlton had 5 tackles to lead the Wolverine defense. Dymonte Thomas had an interception. The Wolverines could only manage one sack on George, and that was by Maurice Hurst.
Special Teams were good. Khaleke Hudson blocked a punt. Kenny Allen hit 2 field goals, 2 punts and 6 kickoffs. Ben Gedeon muffed a fake punt with a fumble. Jabrill Peppers had 2 kickoff returns for 58 yards.
Grant Perry didn't dress (discipline???). Chris Evans left with a possible concussion, and didn't return. Ben Braden started at Left Tackle, and Ben Bredeson at Left Guard. Josh Metellus got quite a few reps at safety in place of Tyree Kinnel who got injured. Both Jon Runyan (Left Guard) and Wyatt Shallman (Special Teams) made their first appearnances of the season.
Bring on the Spartans! Go Blue
Observations on the first half with Illinois
Jim Harbaugh on October 17 Players: Kalis and McCray