Observations on the win over Michigan State, 21-7
Michigan gained three red zones, and converted two for 14 points; Michigan State gained one red zone after a Chris Evans fumble, and converted it for 7 points. If it weren't for the turnover in the red zone, Michigan may have shut out the Spartans.
Offense gained 19 first downs and 395 yards on 78 plays, and was 8 of 19 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Shea Patterson hit 14 of 25 for 212 yards and 2 TDs; he ran 8 times for 24 yards after 2 sacks were deducted. Donovan Peoples-Jones broke a 7-7 tie late in the 3rd quarter with a 79 yard TD pass. Nico Collins caught 3 passes for 24 yards including a 10 yard TD. Karan Higdon ran 33 times for 144 yards, but also gave up a fumble. Ben Mason carried 4 times for 15 yards and a TD. Grant Perry caught 3 passes for 30 yards. Sean McKeon caught 2 passed for 24 yards. Zach Gentry caught 2 passes for 21 yards. Nick Eubanks caught a 25 yarder. The Wolverines dominated time of possession by 22 minutes which gave us 27 more offensive plays after an 80 minute lightning delay. Andrew Dowell and Joe Bachie led the tough Spartan defense with 10 tackles each.
Defense won this game! Brian Lewerke completed only 5 of 25 for 66 yards, and has been sacked twice by Josh Uche; the Spartans were 0 for 13 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with only 94 net yards for 11 first downs, 5 by penalty. L.J. Scott had 10 runs for 25 yards, and a reception for 15. Tyree Kinnel led the defense with 5 tackles. Devin Bush and Chase Winovich have 4 tackles each; Winovich had 3 quarterback hits. We've forced the Spartans into 11 punts, and 7 "3 and outs." The Spartans could not establish a running game, and their attempt to hit short passes to backs in the short game also failed; our defense choked them out.
The big play on special teams was a forced fumble by Jordan Glasgow on a punt return that was recovered by Joe Hewlett; however, we didn't convert it into points. Will Hart punted 8 times with 2 downed inside the 20. Donovan Peoples-Jones had 3 returns including a 16 yarder. Jake Moody had 4 kickoffs with one touchback. Ambry Thomas had a 5 yard kickoff return. Quinn Nordin missed a field goal. Michigan took 9 penalties for 99 yards which gave the Spartans 5 of their 11 first downs.
Bring on the Bye Week, and then Penn State! Go Blue!