Observations on the first half with Hawaii, 35-0

Michigan converts 4 red zones for 28 points, and one turnover into 7 more points. Hawaii gained a turnover and a red zone, but couldn't convert either into points.

Offense gained 15 first downs, and 280 yards in total offense with 157 on the ground. Wilton Speight hit 9 of 12 for 123 yards and 3 TDs; he was 5 for 5 on 3rd down conversions after throwing an interception on the first play of the game. Amara Darboh caught 3 passes for 42 yards and a TD, Jake Butt caught a 19 yard TD, and Grant Perry scored the first TD on  12 yard reception. Chris Evans ran 7 times for 69 yards and a TD. Ty Isaac ran 5 times for 35 yards, and DeVeon Smith ran 6 times for 27 yards until he left with a rib injury. Jehu Chesson carried 3 times for 43 yards. Eddie McDoom got his first carry for 15 yards.

Defense was as good as advertised! We held the Rainbows to 6 first downs, all on the final drive of the half, with 72 total yards. Ikaika Woolsey hit 7 of 13 for 88 yards. Delano Hill got a 27 yard interception for a TD. Mike McCray led the Wolverine defense with 7 tackles, 2 for loss including a forced fumble while Jabrill Peppers had 6 stops, one for loss. Ben Gedeon was in on 5 tackles, one for loss. Hawaii netted -16 yards in rushing, and was one of six in 3rd down conversions.

Special Teams looked pretty good. Jabrill Peppers had 2 punt returns for 28 yards, and Kenny Allen kicked off six times with 3 touchbacks. Michigan held a 4 play advantage despite a one minute time of possession advantage for Hawaii. Penalties were assessed against Rashan Gary for a personal foul, and Jeremy Clark for a block in the back.

A number of players (27) switched jersey numbers from the August 7 roster posted; Drake Johnson, Noah Furbush, and Wyatt Shallman didn't dress for the game due to injuries. Kareem Walker didn't dress because he may be academically ineligible. Patrick Kugler started at Left Guard with the injury to Ben Braden; then, Ben Bredeson replaced Kugler. Jourdan Lewis also didn't play due to injury.

We definitely look better than last season, hopefully we'll continue to improve as the season progresses. Go Blue!!!