Observations on the loss to Georgia, 11-34
Georgia converted 5 red zones for 17 points, and scored 27 points in their first 5 possessions; the game was over by haltime. Michigan could only muster 3 red zones for 3 points against a stout Bulldog defense. One could observe a much quicker, faster, stronger and more talented Bulldog squad from the opening drive of the game throttling the Wolverines; they were better prepared and better coached for this playoff game by Coach Smart and staff. The Bulldogs didn't score any points off 3 Wolverine turnovers.
Offense gained 325 total yards with 17 first downs, but could only gain 88 yards rushing as the Bulldogs wouldn't allow Michigan's running game to get started; the Wolverines were 8 of 18 in 3rd and 4th down conversions, and had 3 turnovers including two forced fumbles by Georgia defenders. Cade McNamara hit 11 of 19 for 106 yards, but threw two interceptions and Wolverines quarterbacks were sacked 4 times. J.J. McCarthy hit 7 of 17 for 131 yards and a 35 yard TD to Andrel Anthony late in the 4th quarter. Erick All caught 4 passes for 63 yards. Isaiah Wilson caught a 42 yard bomb that set up our first red zone, but the Bulldogs held us to a field goal. Nakobe Dean led the Bulldogs with 7 tackles including a sack plus a forced fumble, and Nolan Smith had 8 tackles including a sack, a forced fumble, a quarterback hit, and a pass break up. Derion Kendrick had 5 tackles plus 2 interceptions. Georgia had two players disqualified for targeting.
Defense couldn't handle the Bulldog offense! Georgia rolled up 515 total yards with 190 on the ground, and 325 in the air to 12 different Bulldog receivers; they were 11 of 17 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 21 first downs. Georgia averaged 7.7 yards per play, and Michigan could only force the Bulldogs into two punts with zero turnovers; Georgia had 7 "big" plays of 20+ yards including 2 TDs. Stetson Bennett hit 21 of 31 for 307 yards and 3 TDs, and scrambled 3 times for another 32 yards; Bennett kept his cool while executing in a solid performance, and the Bulldog preparation for Hutchinson and Ojabo negated the Wolverine pressure. Brock Bowers caught 6 passes for 65 yards and a TD. Jermaine Burton caught a 57 yard bomb for another TD. James Cook caught 3 passes for 99 yards and a TD plus had 6 carries for 32 yards. Zamir White ran 12 times for 54 yards. Adonai Mitchell caught 2 passes for 34 yards including an 18 yard TD. Coach Smart and staff picked on Vincent Gray and Junior Colson who allowed two passing touchdowns each in coverage. Georgia dominated time of possession by 8:30 as well as the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and it led to 4 more offensive plays. Joss Ross had 11 tackles for the Wolverines.
Special Teams were also dominated by Georgia with two field goals by Jack Podlesny while Jake Moody hit one field goal. Georgia had 7 kickoffs with 7 touchbacks. Brad Robbins punted twice for a 44.5 yard average, but almost had the last one blocked. A.J. Henning had a 16 yard punt return.
It was a great season, but a sad ending. Go Blue!
