Observations on the win over Purdue, 21-16
Michigan had 5 red zone trips, but could only score 14 points; Purdue had 3 red zones for 14 points. Neither team could score off 2 Wolverine and one Boilermaker turnovers.
Offense netted 398 total yards with 253 on the ground and 20 first downs; they were 6 of 11 in 3rd down conversions. Bryce Underwood hit 13 of 22 passes for 145 yards and one interception; he had 7 carries for 44 yards including a red zone turnover. Underwood contineues to press as a starting quarterback after 9 games with 2 turnovers in this game. Jordan Marshall carried 25 times for 185 yards and 3 TDs; he also caught a 25 yard pass. Andrew Marsh caught 4 passes for 25 yards. Zach Marshall caught 3 passes for 58 yards. Marlin Klein caught 2 passes for 16 yards. Tahj Ra-El led the Boilers with 13 tackles.
Defense gave up 276 net yards to the Boilermakers with 18 first downs; they were 6 of 14 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Ryan Browne completed 19 of 24 passes for 133 yards and a TD. Antonio Harris carried 11 times for 54 yards and a TD. Malachi Thomas had 68 yards in 15 carries. Malachi Singleton had 6 carries for 24 yards. Nitro Tuggle caught 5 passes for 38 yards. Michael Jackson had 6 receptions for 58 yards. Purdue held a 6 minute time of possession advantage that gave them 4 more offensive plays. Ernest Hausmann led the Wolverine defense with 11 tackles. Derrick Moore had 2 sacks and force a fumble recovered by Rashaun Benny. Benny, Troy Bowles, and Mason Curtis had 6 tackles each.
Special Teams were bad! Semaj Morgan gave up 20 yards in field position on a punt return he could have fielded. Andrew Marsh returned a kickoff 5 yards deep in the end zone. Poor decision making on special teams is big part of the reason why our special teams are so bad this season. Let’s face facts, we have poor kickoff and punt returners. Each team had 4 punts with one downed inside the 20, and Hudson Hollenbeck had one punt partially blocked.
It is a good thing we have a bye week. The team has a lot of injuries, and needs to regroup prior to their next two road trips to Evanston and College Park. Go Blue!
