Observations on the first half with Ohio State, 16-28

Ohio State converted 3 red zones into 21 points; Michigan could only convert their 3 red zones into 9 points. The Buckeyes also converted the Wolverine turnover into a touchdown.

Offense played well, but the red zone turnover by Patterson killed us! Shea Patterson was 14 of 19 for 250 yards for a TD; he was one of 5 in 3rd down conversions. Giles Jackson ran 3 times for 26 yards including a 22 yard TD. Michigan could only gain 35 net rushing yards in 13 attempts. The offense gained 13 first downs and 285 net yards in 32 plays; the Buckeyes time of possession advantage by 2 minutes gave them 7 more offensive plays. Donovan Peoples-Jones had 3 catches for 69 yards; Ronnie Bell had 4 catches for 47 yards, and Sean McKeon had 2 catches for 51 yards. Nick Eubanks had 2 catches for 42 yards, and Nico Collins had 2 catches for 32 yards. Hassan Haskins had 3 runs for 6 yards, and caught a 9 yard passs.

Defense was not up to the task! Ohio State rolled us for 15 first downs, 318 total yards including 118 on the ground in 23 attempts, and were 5 of 7 in 3rd down conversions. J.K. Dobbins has 17 carries for 103 yards and 3 TDs plus a 28 yard reception. Justin Fields was 8 of 16 for 200 yards including a 57 yard bomb to Chris Olave that Josh Metellus couldn't cover. Fields ran 5 times for 16 yards after 2 sacks were deducted. Garrett Wilson caught 2 passes for 88 yards. Our linebackers are not filling the gaps, and Ohio State has completed control of the game due to our defense unable to handle their powerful offense; we could only force the Buckeyes into one punt. Aidan Hutchinson led the defense with 6 tackles.

Special Teams were horrible!!! Nordin missed an extra point. The penalty on the punt return for offside gave the Buckeyes a first down on their final drive that led to a touchdown after the defense had forced them into a second punt; one could see that Ohio State worked on a hesitation snap so it was a planned play. Donovan Peoples-Jones had a nice punt return negated on a penalty by Gemon Green. Brad Robbins punted twice for 86 yards including one inside the 20; he wasn't on the roster the whole season, and hasn't punted once until today. Nordin did hit a field goal just before half.

Second Half could only result in a close game if we can force Buckeyes turnovers; otherwise, we must prepare for another loss.