Observations on the loss to Alabama, 16-35
Michigan converted two red zones, its lowest total for the season, for 10 points, and was unable to manuever into the red zone in the second half; Alabama converted 3 red zones for 21 points. Alabama scored a touchdown on Michigan's two turnovers in the last 6 minutes of the game with its final two possessions. It was a pretty good game for 3 quarters, but Michigan was overwhelmed in the final stanza.
Offense was throttled in the second half by Alabama as the Crimson Tide outscored them, 21-0, in the second half! Offense gained 395 net yards with 162 on the ground and 23 first downs, and was 9 of 19 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Shea Patterson was 17 of 37 for 233 yards and a TD with 2 second half interceptions; he ran 8 times for 29 yards, but it only resulted in 4 yards after 3 sacks for 25 yards were deducted. Patterson was rocked with 4 quarterback hits, and the Alabama defensive backfield broke up 5 passes. with tight coverage. Zach Charbonnet ran 13 times for 84 yards, and Hassan Haskins ran 18 times for 61 yards. Giles Jackson, Ronnie Bell and Nico Collins hauled in 4 passes each with Nick Eubanks catching the Wolverine's only TD pass in the first quarter. Xavier McKinney and Anfernee Jennings had 10 tackles each for Alabama; Shane Lee had 9 tackles, a sack plus forced a fumble.
Defense couldn't hold down Alabama's powerful offfense in the second half. The Crimson Tide gained 480 net yards with 327 in the air and 153 on the ground with 20 first downs. Najee Harris ran 24 times for 136 yards and 2 TDs. Backup Quarterback Mac Jones hit 16 of 25 for 3 TDs. Jerry Jeudy caught 6 passes for 204 yards and a TD; he was the best player on the field. Jeudy had 3 "big plays" of 20+ yards including an 85 yard TD on the first play from scrimmage, and the Crimson Tide had 7 "big plays" of 20+ yards for 2 TDs; Michigan only had two on the day with neither resulting in a score. Devonta Smith caught 3 passes including a 42 yard TD. Miller Forristall caught 3 passes for 36 yards and a TD. Josh Metellus led the Wolverines with 11 tackles, and Jordan Glasgow added 10 stops. The Wolverine defense couldn't put any pressure on Jones, and held a 9:30 time of possession advantage that resulted in 25 more offensive plays. Chris Hinton got his first start at Nose Tackle with Carlo Kemp unable to play; Jess Speight started at Defensive Tackle with Michael Dwumfour unable to play due to shoulder surgery. Mazi Smith and Donovan Jeter back them up, but the line simply couldn't create pressure or hold the Crimson Tide at the point of attack. These four defensive linemen accounted for only one assisted tackle on the afternoon. Alabama played the game without Tua Tagovailoa, Trevon Diggs, Terrell Lewis, Dylan Moses, LaBryan Ray, Joshua McMillion, and D.J. Dale. Alabama is expected to have 9 of the Top 50 picks in the upcoming NFL Draft in May; the only Michigan possibility in the Top 100 is Nico Collins who may or may not declare for the draft later in January. Ohio State has 5 projected draftees in the Top 100. Michigan will not be able to compete with the "Big Boys" until they can upgrade their talent stable.
Special Teams were led by Quinn Nordin with 3 field goals including a 57 yarder to end the first half. Giles Jackson started the game with a 50 yard kickoff return, but the offense went "3 and out;" he ended the game with 3 returns for 99 yards. Will Hart has 5 punts for a 36.4 yard average with 3 downed inside the 20; Brad Robbins had his only punt partially blocked by Ale Kaho, and it resulted in a 19 yarder. Alabama dominated the special teams in the second half; Mike Bernier punted 6 times with 4 downed inside the 20 keeping Michigan in poor field position to start drives.
This game showed how bad Michigan's Coaching Staff was in first half clock management, and second half adjustments! It will be another long Winter at Schembechler Hall while the team regroups for 2020! Go Blue!
