Observations on the first half with Northwestern, 7-6

Both teams had two red zones each, Michigan converted one for 7 points while Northwestern converted both for 6 points. The Wildcats scored 3 points off one Wolverine turnover.

Offense gained 215 net yards with only 30 on the ground; they had 13 first downs and were 5 of 7 in 3rd down conversions. Bryce Underwood was 15 of 19 for 185 yards; he was sacked 3 times and had a net of 4 yards on 6 carries. Jordan Marshall ran 9 times for 36 yards and a TD; he also caught an 8 yard pass. Andrew Marsh caught 9 passes for 135 yards, but fumbled the ball on a reverse while losing 10 yards for the games only turnover. Donoven McCulley had 2 catches for 20 yards. Marlin Klein had one catch for 10 yards. The Wolverines had a 2:30 minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 10 more offensive plays. Braydon Brus leads Northwestern with 7 tackles including a sack and a quarterback hit plus a fumble recovery.

Defense allowed the Wildcats 106 net yards with 35 on the ground, and 6 first downs. Preston Stone hit 5 of 13 for 71 yards. Caleb Komolafe ran 7 times for 15 yards. Hubnter Welcing caught 2 passes for 53 yards. Mason Curtis and Trey Pierce lead the Wolverines with 3 tackles each. Defense has no sacks and only one quarterback hit on Stone.

Special Teams were horrid! Another missed field goal for Dominic Zvada, he is no longer a reliable placekicker. We forced two Wildcat punts, and one was downed at our 9 yard line because Morgan didn't field the punt. Northwestern ran a successful fake punt on our special teams for a first down. Coaching was also bad, the reverse play call was stupid at that stage of the drive. The coaches also had to take a time out after Marsh caught the long pass at the 6 yard line; every coach knows that a play call should be made immediately at that point of the field when the defense is "on their heals." Instead, our coaches gave them a chance to "catch their breath" and regroup.

Second Half will start with Northwestern getting the ball. Michigan had better stop their first possession, and score on their first possession; this game could continue to be a nailbiter unless our offense takes control of the game. If we have one more turnover, the Wildcats may capitalize again and turn this game around. Go Blue!