Observations on the incredible win over Western Michigan, 13-12
Michigan scored 7 points in their only red zone on their first drive; Western Michigan came up empty on their only red zone in the first half, but converted two second half red zones for 6 points. The Broncos scored 6 points off three Wolverine turnovers. The Broncos fumbled three times, but didn't have one turnover. Give Western Michigan all the credit! They came to Ann Arbor knowing what they had to do to make the game close and winnable, and they executed their game plan to perfection. Kudos to their players and coaching staff!
Offense gained 276 total yards with 106 on the ground; they were 4 of 11 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 12 first downs. Bryce Underwood hit 12 of 22 for 170 yards, and ran 9 times for 47 yards and a TD; he had two turnovers on an interception and a 4th quarter fumble with 1:50 to go in the game. Jordan Marshall ran 11 times for 44 yards, and caught 2 passes for 17 yards. Savion Hiter ran 5 times for 15 yards, and caught one pass for -1 yard. Michigan had 25 rushing attempts for 106 total yards. J.J. Buchanan was the hero of the game; he caught 6 passes for 126 yards including the game winning 47 yard touchdown with 1 second left. Jalen Hoffman caught a 13 yarder, and Andrew Marsh caught two passes for 15 yards. Well, so much for the new "explosive" offense that was advertised. The running game utilizing the "Rhinos" didn't work at all. Dillon Moore had 6 tackles to lead the Western Michigan defense including an interception.
Defense allowed Western Michigan to gain 221 total yards with 132 on the ground and 16 first downs; the Broncos were 82 of 19 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Broc Lowry hit 15 of 21 for 89 yards, and ran 15 times for 35 yards. Jalen Buckley ran 19 times for 62 yards. Aveion Chenault had 6 receptions for 53 yards. The Broncos held a 20 minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 19 more offensive plays. Troy Bowles led the Wolverine defense with 12 tackles. Dominic Nichols had 9 tackles including 2 sacks and 2 quarterback hits. Chris Bracy and Nate Staehling also had 9 tackles each.
Special Teams were not very special as Andrew Marsh fumbled away a punt return which led the the Bronco red zone opportunity. Special Teams had no tackles in the game as all kicks were touchbacks or fair catches. Cam Brown punted 6 times for a 44.7 yard average with two downed inside the 20. Freshman Jacob Baggett handled kickoff with two touchbacks. Michigan had 9 penalties for 80 yards; the Wolverines dodged a bullet when Shamari Earls wasn't called on a late facemask in the 4th quarter. Kelly Dieter had 4 field goals in four attempts for the Broncos including two in the 4th quarter.
An inauspicious start for Coach Whittingham and Staff signals a sub-par season ahead with many more losses. Western Michigan outplayed Michigan in this game, and the Broncos deserved to win; sometimes it is better to be lucky rather than good. Bryce Underwood need to be replaced as the quarterback; he doesn't make good decisions, and it really doesn't matter about how talented he is and what great potential he has. Our offense completely laid an egg after extensive work throughout the Winter, Spring and Summer in preparation for this game. We are now in a rebuilding mode, and it will take a long time to put together pieces that will make the Michigan Football Program competitive again. At present, I'd predict a 3-9 or 4-8 season after what I observed tonight.
