Observations on the first half with Illinois, 14-0!

Michigan earns 5 red zones, but can only come up with 14 points with 3 red zones completely shut down to end the half. Illinois gets 3 Wolverine turnovers and comes up with zero points, and the Illini give up one turnover in the red zone and Michigan also comes up with nothing. Al Borges play calling in the red zone is really poor, and contributes to the lack of success in our red zone effort.

Offense started well, but then came unraveled. Fitzgerald Touissaint had 134 yards on 18 carries. Denard Robinson was 6 of 8 for 92 yards, and rain for 19 yards in 11 carries for 2 TDs. Kevin Koger had 2 catches for 45 yards, and Junior Hemingway also had 2 catches for 23 yards. Martavious Odoms caught a 19 yarder and Jeremy Gallon got an 8 yarder. Offense had 249 yards, 157 on the ground, 10 first downs, was 4 of 9 on 3rd and 4th down conversions and dominated time of possession by 12 minutes. Travon Wilson has 8 tackles for Illinois, Steve Hull and Ian Thomas have 7 each and Hull forced a Robinson fumble. Robinson has all 3 turnovers; he's up to 16 for the season in 10 games.

Defense was incredible! We held the Fighting Illini to 30 net yards, -12 on the ground, one first down, forced them into 6 punts on five 3 and outs. It is their best game of the year! Kenny Demens got a sack, Ryan VanBergen and Jake Ryan have 3 tackles each.

Brendon Gibbons missed a 38 yard field goal. Jeremy Gallon had 3 punt returns for 48 yards. Matt Wile had 2 kickoffs, both touchbacks. Will Hagerup hit a 30 yard punt downed at the 14 yard line.

Second half will be tough defensively! We must get to 20 before I'll feel safe. Illinois gets the ball the start the half, but we'll have the wind in the 4th quarter. Go Blue!!!