Observations on the first half with Florida State, 6-20

The Wolverines don't need to complain any more about not making the playoff as Florida State's first half domination has provided them reality. Florida State dominated both lines of scrimmage, and showed that they are faster, stronger, quicker and much better prepared for Michigan than the Wolverines were for them. Michigan gained two red zones, but only came away with 6 points. Florida State converted their one red zone for 7 points. Michigan scored 3 points off one Seminole turnover.

Offense could only gain 7 first downs with one on the ground. The Wolverines could only muster 83 net yards, and was a paltry 2 of 9 in 3rd down conversions with ony 23 net yards on the ground. Wilton Speight was 10 of 19 for 60 yards, but off his game due to pressure from the Seminole defense which prepared well to thwart the Michigan attack. No offensive highlights other than Jake Butt's 16 yard catch to put us in our 2nd red zone opportunity; however, he was pulverized by two Seminole defenders, and had to leave the game for the half. Michigan had a 2 minute time of possession advantage, but both teams ran 34 plays each.

Defense looked bad, really bad! Florida State accumulated 255 net yards with 78 on the ground, 11 first downs, and was 2 of 8 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Dalvin Cook had 14 carries for 79 yards and a TD, and 2 catches for 41 yards. Deondre Francois was 6 of 15 for 177 yards including a 92 yard bomb to Nyqwan Murray over Dymonte Thomas that gave them a two score lead which they hold at halftime. Defense could only force Florida State into 2 punts, and only got one sack on Francois.

Special Teams was the highlight of the half for Michigan! Kenny Allen punted 5 times for 47.6 yard average including his opening punt of 61 yards that was fumbled and recovered at the one yard line by Dymonte Thomas, but our offense couldn't convert it into a TD. Allen did convert two field goals. It is sad that Jabrill Peppers couldn't play, but the difference in this game is the physical play of Florida State along with the quicker, speedier players who came to the game better prepared to execute their game plan.

Second Half will be a laugher for the Seminoles! They are physically the better team, and have way more quickness and speed. We will have to work hard to keep them under 40 points, and our offense won't be able to move the ball against their tough, physical defense. Hopefully, this game will give us a learning lesson for Spring practices so we will improve in 2017. Go Blue!