Observations on the first half with Rutgers, 14-17

Each team has had two red zones, Michigan scored 14 points and Rutgers scored 10 points. The difference in the game is the blocked punt for a touchdown by the Scarlet Knights.

Offense gained 213 yards with 125 on the ground, and 11 first downs; Michigan was 6 of 13 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. J.J. McCarthy was 8 of 14 for 88 yards; he carried 4 times for 6 yards and a TD, and he took some big hits from the Rutgers defenders. Blake Corum ran 14 times for 60 yards. Donovan Edwards ran 10 times for 59 yards plus had a 12 yard reception. Ronnie Bell caught a 35 yard pass, and both Luke Schoonmaker and Cornelius Johnson caught 2 passes each for 16 and 12 yards respectively. Deion Jennings led the Rutgers defense with 10 tackles; Christian Izien has 8 tackles, and former Wolverine, Aaron Lewis, has 7 stops. Michigan had a 12:30 time of possession advantage that resulted in 22 more offensive plays.

Defense gave up 123 yards with 4 first downs; however, a 48 yard pass to Chris Long set up their go-ahead TD late in the second quarter. Gavin Wimsatt is 9 of 16 for 122 yards and a TD. Sean Ryan caught 3 passes for 47 yards and a TD over D.J. Turner. Rutgers was 3 of 7 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Our defensive backfield is really playing poorly particularly R.J. Moten. Our leading tackler, Junior Colson, hasn't made any tackles.

Special Teams were all Rutgers! A blocked punt touchdown, and two missed field goals by Jake Moody resulted in a 7-0 Scarlet Knight advantage. Both teams punted twice.

Second Half is going to require some real strong coaching adjustments by Harbaugh and staff along with some fire from the players to reverse the Rutgers momentum. Go Blue!