Observations on the first half with Ohio State, 10-10

Michigan had two red zones for 7 points; Ohio State gained 3 red zones for 10 points. The Wolverines scored 7 points off one Buckeye turnover.

Offense could only muster 4 first downs with 100 net yards and 82 on the ground; they were 2 of 7 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Davis Warren was 6 of 8 for 31 yards. Kalel Mullings ran 13 times for 42 yards for a TD. Alex Orji had one carry for 29 yards. Donovan Edwards ran 4 times for 11 yards, and caught 2 passes for 2 yards. Tyler Morris caught a 14 yarder. Hogan Hansen caught a 9 yarder. Freddy Moore caught a 6 yarder. Marlin Klein caught a pass for no gain. Michigan had a two minute time of possession advantage, but Ohio State had a 6 play edge. Arvell Reese and Cody Simon lead the Buckeyes with 5 tackles each. Big hit by Caleb Downs stopped Mullings first red zone chance on 4th down.

Defense was solid until just at the end of the half. Ohio State gained 11 first downs, 155 net yards, and were 4 of 9 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Will Howard was 12 of 18 for 119 yards, a TD and an interception by Aamir Hall. Quinshon Judkins has 6 carries for 25 yards. Michigan has outgained Ohio State on the ground, 82 to 26. Carnell Tate has 5 catches for 45 yards. Emeka Egbuka has 2 catches for 36 yards. Jeremiah Smith has 4 catches for 32 yards. Ernest Hausmann has 5 tackles to lead the defense. We have to get more pressure on Howard, and force at least one more turnover; of course, two or more would be better. Big hit on Howard by Makari Paige! Both teams have one "3 and out."

Special Teams performed well! Dominic Zvada hit a 54 yard field goal; Jayden Fielding hit one of two attempts. Ohio State punted once for 31 yards; Tommy Doman punted twice for a 50.5 yard average with one downed inside the 20. Jordan Marshall started the game with an 11 yard return giving us poor field position, but we at least got a first down. Michigan has 3 penalties for 35 yards; Ohio State has yet to be penalized.

Second Half will continue to be a low-scoring defensive struggle! We have a chance. We need to stop them on their first drive, and get back ahead with a score. We must also continue our tough running game; their defense is wearing out. Go Blue!