Observations on the win over Northern Illinois, 63-10
Michigan converted six red zones for 42 points, and scored touchdowns on nine of their first nine possessions; Northern Illinois gained two red zones for 10 points. Michigan scored 7 points off one Huskie turnover.
Offense gained 28 first downs, 606 total yards on 65 plays with 373 on the ground; they were 4 of 9 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Cade McNamara was 8 of 11 for 191 yards with an 87 yard scoring strike to Cornelius Johnson; he also ran a yard for a TD, but finished with -6 yards for the half with a 7 yard fumble loss that Donovan Edwards recovered. Hassan Haskins powered for 56 yards on 9 carries for 2 TDs; Blake Corum exploded for 125 yards on 13 carries for 3 TDs, and Donovan Edwards ran 8 times for 86 yards including a 58 yard TD. A.J. Henning ran for 26 yards on a reverse plus had a 24 yard reception. McNamara dished the ball to 6 different receivers! Lance Deveaux led the Huskies with 8 tackles.
Defense forced Northern Illinois into seven "3 and outs" and 7 punts; they were 3 of 14 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. The Huskies gained 11 first downs, 208 yards in 53 plays with 162 yards on the ground. Rocky Lombardi was 9 of 17 for 46 yards with a TD and an interception, and ran 7 times for 72 yards including a 45 yarder that set up their only touchdown. Harrison Waylee had 12 carries for 34 yards. Josh Ross led the defense with 6 tackles, and Vincent Gray had 5 stops; Gemon Green ran back a 27 yard interception into the red zone at the 3 yard line.
Sepcial Teams looked improved with A.J. Henning returning punts! He had 5 returns for 70 yards including a 25 and 32 yarders, but a couple penalties by the punt return team including two #1s, Andrel Anthony and Jaden McBurrows fell to the fault of the coaches. Jake Moody was flawless with 9 kickoffs for 7 touchbacks, and hit all extra points. The Huskies were unable to force Michigan into any punts. Mike Sainristil managed a 4 yard return on a "pooch" kickoff, and Carter Selzer gained 3 yards.
Bring on Rutgers! Go Blue!