Observations on the first half with Washington, 17-10
Michigan converted one red zone for 3 points; Washington converted two red zones for 10 points. Neither team turned the ball over.
Offense gained 10 first downs, but was zero for 5 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with one "three and out;" they gained 290 total yeards with 209 on the ground. J.J. McCarthy hit 5 of 11 for 81 yards. Blake Corum ran 8 times for 84 yards. Donovan Edwards exploded for 93 yards on 3 carries for 2 TDs. Alex Orji had 2 carries for 15 yards. Kalel Mullings had 3 carries for 21 yards. Cornelius Johnson had 3 receptions for 25 yards. Roman Wilson had a 37 yard reception. Colston Loveland had a 19 yard reception. Alphonso Tuputala led Washington with 4 tackles.
Defense held Washington to 160 total yards with only 32 on the ground; the Huskies were 3 of 9 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 10 first downs, and two "three and outs." Michael Penix hit 13 of 21 passes for 128 yards and a TD. Dillon Johnson ran 9 times for 26 yards, and had a 15 yard reception. Jalen McMillan caught 4 passes for 28 yards and a TD. Rome Odunze caught 3 passes for 35 yards. The Huskies hald a 4 minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 8 more offensive plays. Mike Sainristil, Josh Wallace and Michael Barrett led the defense with 4 tackles each.
Special Teams were up and down. Tommy Doman had two punts, both were over 50 yards with one downed inside the 20. Semaj Morgan had two poor kickoff returns for 27 yards. James Turner hit his only field goal attempt
Second Half should be a nailbiter! We have to dominate this game on the ground, and establish a time of possession advantage. Our best defense is to keep the ball away from their offense. If we can force them into a turnover, we should win; however, we must continue to run the ball effectively if we are to prevail. We are not able to pass on them, and unless we adjust, we must run the ball to win. We also need to get more pressure on Penix! Go Blue!