Observations on the first half with Middle Tennessee State, 27-14

Both teams converted two red zones each; the Wolverines gained 6 points while the Blue Raiders gained 14. Both teams had two turnovers each; Middle Tennessee converted both for 14 points while Michigan converted one for 7 points.

Offense gained 16 first downs, 277 yards in 42 plays with 80 on the ground and 197 in the air with 3 of 7 on 3rd down conversions. Shea Patterson was 16 of 25 for 197 yards and 3 TDs; he ran for 19 yards after 2 sacks were deducted in 5 carries plus a turnover on a fumble. Tarik Black caught 4 passes for 80 yards and a TD. Nico Collins caught 3 passes for 49 yards and a TD. Sean McKeon caught 2 passes for 37 yards and a TD. Zach Charbonnet got the start, and gained 21 yards on 3 carries; Christian Turner gained 37 yards on 7 carries. Michigan held a one minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 5 more offensive plays

Defense didn't start well nor did they finish the half well. Middle Tennessee gained 155 net yards, 8 first downs, and was 3 of 8 in 3rd down conversions with 57 yards on the ground and 98 yards in the air. Two Blue Raider quarterbacks were 15 of 22 with one pass intercepted. James Ross and Brad Hawkins led the Wolverines with 5 tackles each; Jordan Glasgow had 3 stops including a sack, and both Aidan Hutchinson and Khaleke Hudson had 3 tackles each. Vincent Gray really looked good at cornerback as did Ambry Thomas. Michigan forced 2 turnovers, and three "3 and outs" in the first half.

Special Teams were good except for LaVert Hill's punt return fumble. Jake Moody hit two field goals, and his kickoffs were all fair caught with one touchback. Quinn Nordin hit the extra points, and Will Hart punted twice with both downed inside the 5 yard line. Giles Jackson impressed with 3 kickoff returns for 76 yards.

Donovan Peoples-Jones couldn't play due to injury with a boot on his foot, Jon Runyan and Donovan Jeter also didn't play due to injuries, and Michael Dwumfour has a club on his hand. On the bright side, Ambry Thomas returned to start and looked great with an interception plus a fumble recovery!

Second Half should be a blowout! Go Blue!