Observations on the win over Minnesota, 52-10
Michigan converted 5 red zone opportunities for 31 points; Minnesota had no red zones. The Wolverines also converted two Gopher miscues for two interception TDs, and didn't turn the ball over.
Offense gained 432 net yards with 191 on the ground, and 19 first downs; they were 6 of 11 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. J.J. McCarthy hit 14 of 20 passes for 219 yards, one TD, and ran 4 times for 17 yards and 2 more TDs. Blake Corum ran 9 times for 69 yards and a TD. Donovan Edwards ran four times for 20 yards and caught 4 passes for 25 yards. Kalel Mullings ran 8 times for 47 yards, and caught a 13 yard pass. Cornelius Johnson caught 3 passes for 86 yards including a 49 yarder. Roman Wilson caught 3 passes for 56 yards, and had a 10 yard gain on a reverse. A.J. Barner caught 2 passes for 24 yards. Colston Loveland caught a 24 yard pass for a TD. Minnesota dominated time of possession by 3 minutes, but the advantage was nixed by the turnovers so the plays were even at 56 each. Darius Green, Maverick Baranowski, and Tyler Nubin led Minnesota with 7 tackles each.
Defense held the Gophers to 6 "three and outs, " and forced 7 punts with 2 turnovers. Minnesota gained 169 yards with 117 on the ground, and 10 first downs; they were 5 on 16 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Athan Kaliakmanis hit 5 of 16 for 52 yards and a TD, but was also picked off twice for 2 TDs by Will Johnson and Keon Sabb. Bryce Williams had 10 rushes for 40 yards; Zac Evans had 12 runs for 45 yards. Mason Graham led the defense with 6 tackles, two for loss including a sack.
Special Teams were not much of a factor. Minnesota hit a 54 yard field goal, and we also hit our only attempt by Turner. Doman kicked off well with 9 kickoffs, 8 touchbacks, but one that went out of bounds, and he punted 3 times for a 42.7 yard average; one was downed inside the 20. Jake Thaw had a 7 yard punt return. Semaj Morgan had a 21 yard kickoff return. There were no returns by Minnesota on punts or kickoffs; the Gophers did try hard to block a Doman punt early, but couldn't convert.
Bring on the Hoosiers! Go Blue!