Observations on the first half with Alabama, 16-14

Michigan converted two red zones for 10 points; Alabama converted one red zone for 7 points. No turnovers for either team.

Offense looked better than expected! Offense gained 286 net yards with 135 on the ground with 16 first downs, and was 4 of 9 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Shea Patterson was 9 of 18 for 151 yards and a TD; he ran 4 times for 10 yards after one sack. Zach Charbonnet ran 10 times for 73 yards, and Hassan Haskins ran 11 times for 47 yards. Giles Jackson, Ronnie Bell and Nick Eubanks hauled in two passes each with Eubanks catching the TD pass. Anfernee Jennings had 9 tackles for Alabama.

Defense played commendably after giving up the 85 yard TD bomb on the first Crimson Tide play from scrimmage. Josh Metellus led the Wolverines with 5 tackles. Alabama was held to only 9 first downs, and was zero for 3 in 3rd down conversions. The Crimson Tide gained 205 net yards, but only 60 on the ground. Mac Jones was 8 of 13 for 145 and an 85 yard TD to Jerry Jeudy who caught a total of 4 passes for 132 yards. Najee Harris has 9 carries for 59 yards and a TD. Michigan held a 9:30 time of possession advantage that resulted in 22 more offensive plays.

Special Teams were led by Quinn Nordin with 3 field goals including a 57 yarder to end the first half. Giles Jackson started the game with a 50 yard kickoff return, but the offense went "3 and out." Will Hart has 2 punts for a 34.5 yard average with one downed inside the 20.

Second Half should be interesting! It is a much more competitive game than I anticipated. Go Blue!