Observations on the first half with Ohio State, 14-13
Michigan converted 3 red zones for 14 points; Ohio State gained 6 points off two red zones. The Buckeyes scored 3 points off one Wolverine turnover.
Offense gained 11 first downs, 222 yards in 37 plays with a 2:20 time of possession advantage resulting in two more offensive plays; the Wolverines were 65 o9 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Cade McNamara was 10 of 16 for 113 yards with one interception. Hassan Haskins ran15 times for 71 yards. A.J. Henning had a 14 yard TD run, and had a 9 yard reception. Cornelius Johnson caught 2 passes for 48 yards including a 37 yarder that set up our final red zone TD at the 2 yard line. Roman Wilson caught a 24 yarder. Luke Schoonmaker caught 2 passes for 15 yards. Ronnie Hickman and Steele Chambers led the Buckeye defense with 5 tackles each.
Defense did a nice job holding the Buckeyes in the red zone holding them to two field goals. Ohio State had 230 yards in 35 offensive plays with 59 on the ground wth 12 first downs; the Buckeyes were 3 of 7 in 3rd down conversions. C.J. Stroud was 14 of 21 for 171 yards and a TD with one sack. Jaxon Smith-Nijba had 6 catches for 68 yards. TreVeyon Henderson ran 8 times for 45 yards, and caught2 passes for 39 yards. Garrett Wilson caught 3 passes for 44 yards including a 25 yard TD. Rodney Moore and Brad Hawkins led the Wolverine defense with 5 tackles each; Moore had a TD saving tackle. Aidan Hutchinson had 4 tackles including a sack. R. J. Moten dropped a sure interception just before half that would have ended the Buckeye 3 point drive.
Special Teams advantage went to Ohio State with two field goals in two attempts. A.J. Henning recovered another fumbled punt at the 10 yard line. The Buckeyes punted twice with one downed inside the 20; Brad Robbins also punted twice with one downed inside the 20 after a 15 yard penalty that moved the ball from the 3 to the 18. Jake Moody dropped a kickoff at the 4 yard line, and had a touchback on his other kickoff.
Second half looks to be a nailbiter! Michigan must win the time of possession advantage and hold Ohio State under 30 plus have zero 2nd half turnovers to have a shot to win this one! Go Blue!