Observations on the first half with Washington, 10-0
Michigan gained one red zone, but came up with no points; the Huskies gained no red zone. Washington had a fumble on a 4th down stop by the Wolverines.
Offense gained 7 first downs, 165 yards on the ground, but only 30 in the air for 195 total yards in 34 plays. Cade McNamara looked weak, and flustered; he passed 10 times with 4 completions with the only highlight being a 33 yard pass to Daylen Baldwin. Michigan was 4 of 11 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Blake Corum had 11 carries for 107 yards including a 67 yard TD scamper. Hassan Haskins ran 10 times for 51 yards. The Huskies forced Michigan into 3 punts, stopped us in the red zone, and three "3 and outs." Time of possession is pretty even with both teams at 34 offensive plays each.
Defense looked solid! They are much quicker, more confident, and playing better as a team under Coach MacDonald. They held Washington to 7 first downs, 15 yards rushing and 126 total yards; they were 3 of 11 in 3rd and 4th down conversions, and stymied the Huskies with four "3 and outs." Dylan Morris was 9 of 15 for 111 yards, and was sacked twice. Taj Davis had 3 receptions for 47 yards. James Ross led the Wolverines with 7 tackles; Vincent Gray, Brad Hawkins, and Kris Jenkins had 4 each. Aidan Hutchinson had a sack. Hawkins and Gray had pass break ups. The Wolverines forced Washington into 5 punts.
Special Teams were led by the kicking of Jake Moody; he had three kickoffs for 3 touchbacks, and boomed a 52 yard field goal. Michigan needs to replace Caden Kolesar as a punt returner; he misplayed his first punt, and later fumbled another, and he had two returns for 24 yards.
Harbaugh should have called a time out on the 4th & goal! He simply doesn't have control of the team at critical times in a game as Head Coach!
Second Half will continue to be a defensive struggle! Turnovers may be the key! Go Blue!