Observations on the loss to Oregon, 17-38
Oregon converted 5 red zones for 31 points; Michigan converted four red zones for 17 points. The Wolverines scored 7 points off one Duck turnover.
Offense gained 270 net yards with 105 on the ground, and 11 first downs; they were 4 of 13 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Davis Warren was 12 of 21 for 164 yards and 2 TDs. Donovan Edwards ran 9 times for 46 yards. Kalel Mullings ran 8 times for 16 yards. Alex Orji ran 6 times for 39 yards. Colston Loveland caught 7 passes for 112 yards. Tyler Morris caught 3 passes for 38 yards and a TD. Peyton O'Leary caught a 6 yard TD pass. Kobe Savage and Bryce Boettcher led the Ducks with 7 tackles each.
Defense couldn't handle the powerful Oregon offense. The Ducks ran up 470 total yards with 176 on the ground, and 23 first downs; they were 10 of 15 in 3rd down conversions. Oregon controlled the ball for 5 minute more in time of possession, and it gave them 18 more offensive plays. Dillon Gabriel hit 22 of 34 for 294 yards and a TD; he ran 3 times for 23 yards and a TD. We could not sack him, but did manage to give him 5 quarterback hits. Jordan James ran 23 times for 117 yards, and a TD. Noah Whittington ran 11 times for 36 yards and 2 TDs. Justius Lowe caught 6 passes for 45 yards. Traeshon Holden caught 6 passes for 149 yards. Evan Stewart caught 3 passes for 16 yards and a TD. Terrence Ferguson caught 2 passes for 34 yards. Kenyon Sadiq caught 2 passes for 32 yards. Ernest Hausmann led the defense with 10 tackles. Jaishawn Barham and Wesley Walker had 7 tackles each.
Tommy Doman punted 5 times for a 45.2 yard average with 2 downed inside the 20. Joe Taylor forced a fumble recovered by C.J. Charleston; it led to our first TD. Taylor had a 29 yard kickoff return, and Keshaun Harris returned two for 35 yards. Tez Johnson had a 21 yard punt return for the Ducks, but left the game with a shoulder injury. We only forced Oregon into 3 punts. Dominic Zvada hit his only field goal attempt.
Indiana crushed Michigan State at East Lansing today, and it is expected that they will also overwhelm us next week at Bloomington. Michigan may end up playing 4 of the 12 playoff teams this season: Texas, Oregon, Indiana, and Ohio State. Go Blue!