Observations on the tough win over Iowa, 20-6!

1-We had three red zones for 10 for 3 points while Iowa had three red zones (all in the second half) for 6 points. We had zero points off one Iowa turnover, and they had 3 points off one Michigan turnover. We created nearly a 9 minute time of possession advantage in the second half due to our stellar defense that resulted in a 12 play advantage.

2-Henne was 23 of 33 for 203 yards and two sacks, but none in the second half. Arrington had 8 catches for 79 yards, Breaston had 7 catches for 49 yards, and Carson Butler has 3 catches for 42 yards.

3-Second half was all Michael Hart! He had 31 carries for 126 yards, and two second half TDs. Our offense ended up with 19 first downs and 291 yards of total offense, and was 6 of 15 in 3rd down conversions. Merrick, Godfrey and Miles led a rugged, tough Iowa defense that finally wore down in the 4th quarter. Greg Mattison had 5 tackles, and created a second half fumble on Henne that was luckily recovered by an injured Riley. Miles and Mattison had two tackles for loss and three sacks.

4-Tate was 21 of 36 for 197 yards, but was sacked 5 times. Sims had 22 yards and Young added 17; Iowa's net rushing was 41 yards. Iowa was held to 238 yards in 60 plays with 14 first downs, and was 3 of 14 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. We forced Iowa into 7 punts, and one turnover. Dominque Douglas led the Hawkeyes with 6 catches for 63 yards, and three punt returns for 27 yards; I think we should have offered him a scholarship. Scott Chandler and Andy Brodell had 4 catches each, and we contained the screen passes to Young and Grigsby who netted 5 catches for 35 yards.

Jamar Adams led our defense with 6 tackles, Morgan Trent had 5 including one for loss, Engelmon, Hall, Taylor and Graham had 4 tackles each. Shawn Crable had three sacks and forced a fumble that Branch recovered. Lamarr Woodley had 3 tackles including two sacks.

5-Special teams came through big with Rivas hitting both field goal attempts, and doing a great job on kickoffs with three touchback in 5 kickoffs. Mesko was awesome with 5 punts, and three inside the 20 including a 57 yarder. Steve Breaston really got us going with momentum after returning a 64 yarder when Iowa tied the game at 3-3 in the 3rd quarter.

I hope Lloyd Carr learned a lesson when Brandon Minor fumbled on the opening kickoff in the second half. How he can start a freshman in such a critical position in a critical game when the game was at a critical juncture is beyond me; it was an example of poor coaching judgement.

7-It was nice to see Riley return in the second half after his injury, but he left and was noticeably hobbling. Justin Boren and Alex Mitchell were solid on the right side in the second half. Carson Butler got a start at tight end, and had 3 catches; however, he was flagged for illegal procedure and he may also have had a holding call. Arrington also was flagged for holding. Greg Mathews made a big catch for a first down, and had three catches overall. Charles Stewart didn't play on defense, but Brandon Harrison started in the 5 back defense. Sears did get some action. Mundy didn't play at all; ditto for Mike Massey, Tyler Ecker, Mario Manningham. Carl Tabb played, but didn't catch a pass; our depth at tight end and wide receiver contribute to our offense being no threat to defenses especially if they can stop our run.

8-I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, but from what I've seen over the last two weeks against Iowa and Penn State, it doesn't look like this team can beat Ohio State in Columbus without Mario Manningham. Our defense is solid, but Ohio State's offense is significantly better than the other offenses we are going up against. We showed "cracks in the armour" on both sides of the ball today. We have a lot of improving to do, and hopefully a lot of healing over the next 4 weeks.

Observations on the first half with Iowa, 3-0!

1-Michigan has finally got an opponent who'll take them to the fourth quarter until the game is resolved. Iowa came to play especially on defense. We have one red zone for 3 points while Iowa has zero red zones, and we have zero points off one Iowa turnover. Luckily, we have no turnovers and the time of possession is almost even.

2-Henne is 13 of 19 for 128 yards and two sacks. Arrington has 4 catches for 42 yards, Breaston has 4 catches for 28 yards, and Carson Butler has 3 catches for 42 yards. Hart only has 27 yards on 10 carries. Our offense has been held to 8 first downs by a rugged, tough Iowa defense led by Edmond Miles with 6 tackles, 2 for loss and 1 sack. The other sack was by Greg Mattison who has also caused several hurries. Our offense has 7 net rushing yards for the first half, and is 2 of 7 in 3rd down conversions.

3-Luckily, our defense is standing tall with 2 sacks on Drew Tate; he is 11 of 17 for 78 yards. Sims has 22 yards and Young has 6 with a net rushing total of 20. Iowa is 2 of 7 in 3rd down conversions for 7 first downs. We have forced Iowa into 5 punts, and one turnover. Dominque Douglas leads the Hawkeyes with 4 catches for 30 yards, and two punt returns for 27 yards. Engelmon and Trent lead the defense with 4 tackles each while Crable has two sacks and forced a fumble that Branch recovered. Taylor and Graham have 3 tackles each.

4-Special teams has been adequate with Rivas hitting a field goal, but Carr electing not to have him attempt a 52 yarder. Rivas has two kickoffs with one touchback. Mesko fumbled a snap, but unleashed two inside the 20 and one 57 yarder

5-Injuries are huge on both sides. Hopefully, Riley's injury isn't serious. We don't have our best receiver and our first two tight ends.

6-Anything can happen in these close, low-scoring defensive struggles. Defense and turnovers decide this one. We must get a running game going.