Observations on the win over Iowa, 10-3
Michigan converted 3 red zones for 10 points; Iowa converted one red zone for 3 points. The Wolverines converted 3 points off 4 Hawkeyes turnovers; Iowa converted no points off one Michigan turnover.
Offense gained only 13 first downs, and 267 net yards in 59 plays with only 120 on the ground; they were 3 of 13 in 3rd down conversions. Shea Patterson was 14 of 26 for 147 yards with an interception; he was sacked twice, and gained 25 yards in 7 carries. Nico Collins had 3 receptions for 63 yards including a 51 yarder in the first quarter; it would turn out to be one of two "big plays" of the day for the Wolverines. The other was a 20 yard pass reception to Tarik Black. Donovan Peoples-Jones had 4 receptions for 26 yards, and Nick Eubanks caught 2 passes for 17 yards. Zach Charbonnet gained 42 net yards in 13 attempts including the only TD on the afternoon. Tru Wilson carried 4 times for 28 yards. Hassan Haskins carried twice for 22 yards including an 18 yarder. Christian Turner fumbled after a 5 yard carry; it was recovered by Ben Bredeson; he had 4 carries for 16 yards on the day. Our offensive line is a disaster. When asked about the offense after the game; Harbaugh said that the offense is just "hitting its stride." The offense didn't win this game, but they didn't lose it either. We could have easily self-destructed, but didn't thanks to two fumble recoveries. Kristian Welch and Chauncey Golston led the Hawkeye defense with 8 tackles each; Gholston and A.J. Epenesa had sacks, and Geno Stone got the interception.
Defense forced 8 sacks for -65 yards, 7 punts, and 4 turnovers! The Wolverines were led by Khaleke Hudson with 11 tackles; Jordan Glasgow had 9 tackles including 2 sacks. Kwity Paye had 2.5 sacks until he left with a hamstring injury. LaVert Hill, Ambry Thomas, and Josh Metellus had interceptions. Daxton Hill had 6 tackles, and a pass break up. Cam McGrone had 6 tackles including 1.5 sacks. The defense has vastly improved with the additions of McGrone and Hill over the last few weeks. Aidan Hutchinson had 6 tackles including a sack and a tipped pass. Iowa had 18 first downs, and gained 261 net yards in 72 plays with 260 in the air; Nate Stanley was 23 of 41, and was 7 of 10 in 3rd and 4th down conversions Iowa gained a 8 minute time of possession advantage that gave them 13 more offensive plays despite the 4 turnovers. Penalties also hurt the Hawkeyes as they had 8 penalties for 60 yards. Tyler Goodson caught 5 passes for 62 yards, and Nico Ragaini had 6 catches for 46 yards.
Special Teams was not good today. The highlight was Donovan Peoples-Jones punt return from the 4 to the 40; he fumbled at the end of the play, and it was recovered by Gemon Green. The 36 yard punt return capped an afternoon where the Wolverines could only execute 3 "big plays" over 20 yards. Will Hart punted 8 times for a 45.6 yard average, but had two touchbacks, and two short punts that hurt field position. Team gave up a kickoff to the Hawkeyes returned to the 50; Ragaini had 4 punt returns for 54 yards with poor coverage by our punt return squad and flyers. Jake Moody hit a 28 yard field goal, but missed a 28 yarder that could have given us a two-score lead in the 4th quarter. The Hawkeyes also got a 22 yard field goal. Quinn Nordin missed a 58 yard field goal to end the half. The special teams didn't lose the game, but didn't do much to help the squad win the game either.
Team needs to improve on their trip to Champaign, but Happy Valley looms the following week; it doesn't look like our offense will help us survive that trip with victory! Go Blue!