Observations on the first half with Rutgers, 20-3

Michigan converted four red zones for 20 points; Rutgers had no red zones. No turnovers for either team.

Offense gained 13 first downs, 233 yards on 33 plays with 77 on the ground; Michigan was 4 of 6 in 3rd down conversions. Cade McNamara was 8 of 11 for 156 yards. Hassan Haskins had 9 carries for 37 yards and 2 TDs. Blake Corum had 12 carries for 40 yards. Cornelius Johnson, Erick All, and Blake Corum had two receptions each, but the longest play of the half was a 51 yard reception by Mike Sainristil setting up the final red zone opportunity in the 22 seconds. Roman Wilson caught a 38 yarder to set up another red zone.

Defense looked good! Rutgers was held to 7 first downs, 121 net yards on 32 plays with 44 on the ground. Noah Verdal was 9 of 16 for 77 yards; Rutgers was 4 of 11 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Isaih Pacheco gained 20 yards on 9 carries. Aron Cruickshank had 4 receptions for 32 yards. Josh Ross led the defense with 6 tackles, but was replaced late in the half after injury; Kalel Mullings replaced him. Dax Hill had two quarterback hits, and three tackles including one for loss.

Special Teams were solid! Jake Moody boomed 4 kickoffs for 4 touchbacks, and hit two field goals. Blake Corum handled two kickoff returns for 44 yards. Brad Robbins hit a "coffin corner" on his only punt to pin the Scarlett Knights at the 3 yard line.

Second Half should be a breeze! Go Blue!