Observations on the win over SMU, 45-20
Michigan converted four red zones into 21 points; SMU converted three second half red zones in to 13 points. The Mustangs couldn't convert their lone turnover into points; however, the Wolverines converted the last play of the first half into a 73 yard interception for 7 points.
Offense gained 21 first downs, 434 total yards with 197 on the ground. Shea Patterson was 14 of 18 for 237 yards with three TD passes to Donovan Peoples-Jones. Chris Evans ran 18 times for 85 yards, and caught two passes for 7 yards. Ben Mason score a TD on a one foot plunge. Tru Wilson gained 53 yards on 11 carries for a TD plus caught an 11 yard pass. Zach Gentry caught 4 passes for 95 yards. The Wolverines dominated possession time by more than 6 minutes, and were 9 of 16 in 3rd and 4th down conversions.
Defense gave up 22 first downs, 319 net yards including 110 on the ground. William Brown was 11 of 17 for 82 yards and 2 TDs; Ben Hicks was 7 of 12 for 133 yards including a 50 yard TD toss as Brad Hawkins missed his assignment. James Proche caught 11 passes for 166 yards for 2 TDs; our cornerbacks were no match for him. Xavier Jones had 50 yards in 13 carries. The Mustangs were one of 8 of 18 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Chase Winovich led the defense with 8 tackles; Devin Bush and Tyree Kinnel had 7 tackles each. Our defensive backs were substandard with a multitude of pass interference calls; in all, we had 13 penalties for 137 yards.
Special Teams play was good. Will Hart punted twice for a 50 yard average with one downed inside the 20. Jake Moody had 7 kickoffs with 4 touchbacks, and kickoff coverage was great with a tackle by Hewlett at the 13 plus an onside kick recovered by Josh Ross. Quinn Nordin hit a 45 yarder, and all extra points.
This would have been a much closer game had it not been for the interception just before halftime that turned this affair into a a two score game. Our offense couldn't score until their 4th possession of the game; they fumbled in the red zone, and had an early turnover. Our defense let up 3 second half red zones on drives by the Mustangs. Obviously, this team has a lot of work to do; talent-wise, it is not a championship caliber squad. Starters had to play from start to finish which was good for their conditioning. Too bad that Karan Higdon couldn't play, but hopefully he'll be ready for Nebraska. If Martinez is back for the Cornhuskers, we will have our hands full next week! Go Blue! Observations on the first half with SMU
Press Conference for SMU on September 10: Harbaugh Tru Wilson Carlo Kemp Jordan Glasgow Stephen Spanellis