Observations on the first half with Indiana, 7-24

The Hoosiers totally dominated the first half as they put up 14 points in 2 red zones; the Wolverines couldn't even get into the red zone against Indiana with 4 "three and outs." Neither team had a turnover although there were a few fumbles.

Offense was putrid! Joe Milton was 4 of 13 for 96 yards and a TD; he ran once for 10 yards, but was sacked just before half for -3 net yards. Offense gained 111 yards with only 6 first downs; they were 0 for 6 in 3rd down conversions. Hassan Haskins rushed 5 times for 18 yards; the Wolverines had no rushing attack with 12 rushes for 28 yards. Ronnie Bell caught 2 passes for 36 yards, and Cornelius Johnson gave Michigan fans their only highlight of the first half with a 37 yard TD catch. Chris Evans caught a 23 yarder just before halftime. Reese Taylor led the Hoosier defense with 4 tackles with 2 for loss including a sack.

Defense absolutely sucked! Michael Penix torched an incompetent secondary for 22 of 32 for 254 yards and 3 TDs. The Hoosiers put up 294 yards with 16 first downs, and ran 47 offensive plays with a 9 minute time of possession advantage that gave them 21 more offensive plays. Indiana was 5 of 8 in 3rd down conversions. Michael Barrett led the defense with 6 tackles; Brad Hawkins and Cam McGrone had 5 tackles each. Aidan Hutchinson left the game with a foot injury on the first drive, and hasn't returned. Defense had 5 offside penalties in the first half.

Special Teams play continues to be sub-par. J.T. Turner was called for holding on a punt return. Giles Jackson continues to make poor decisions in kickoff and punt returns. The only Special Teams highlight for Michigan was the punting of Brad Robbins; he kicked 6 punts including a 66 yarder with 4 punts over 50 yards for a 55.2 yard average. Indiana booted a 52 yard field goal.

Don't expect a Michigan comeback in the second half! Offensive Coordinator Josh Gattis did not have this team prepared offensively, and it shows. Indiana finally ends the Wolverine Hex with their first win since 1987.