Observations on the win over Northwestern, 24-22
Both teams had 5 red zones each, Michigan converted four of five for 24 points including 3 touchdowns while Northwestern converted all five red zones for 22 points, but only 2 touchdowns. The Wildcats scored 12 points off 5 Wolverine turnovers.
Offense gained 496 net yards with 216 on the ground; they had 25 first downs and were 9 of 15 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Bryce Underwood was 21 of 32 for 280 yards with 2 interceptions plus a fumble on a handoff; he was sacked 3 times and had a net of 30 yards on 9 carries for a TD. Jordan Marshall ran 19 times for 142 yards and 2 TDs; he also caught an 8 yard pass, but left the game with a shoulder injury. Bryson Kuzdzal ran 15 times for 53 yards. Andrew Marsh caught 12 passes for 189 yards, but fumbled the ball on a reverse while losing 10 yards. Donoven McCulley had 4 catches for 59 yards. Zeke Marshall caught 2 passes for 6 yards. Marlin Klein had one catch for 10 yards. Deakon Tonielli caught a pass for 8 yards. The Wolverines had a 6 minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 24 more offensive plays. Robert Fitzgerald had 15 tackles and an interception to lead the Wildcats. Braydon Brus had 13 tackles including a sack and a quarterback hit plus a fumble recovery. Mac Uihlein had 10 tackles.
Defense allowed the Wildcats 245 net yards with 61 on the ground, and 11 first downs; they were 3 of 13 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Preston Stone hit 13 of 27 for 184 yards; he ran twice for -1 yards, but scored a TD on a sneak. Caleb Komolafe ran 12 times for 31 yards including a 6 yard TD. Joseph Himon ran 9 times for 31 yards. Hunter Welcing caught 4 passes for 81 yards; our safeties continue to struggle covering tight ends as they are poor on cover. Griffin Wolde caught 2 passes for 51 yards. Mason Curtis had 5 tackles to lead the Wolverines; T.J. Metcalf, Rashaun Benny, and Trey Pierce had 4 tackles each. Defense had no sacks, 3 quarterback hits and 5 tipped passes on Stone. Northwestern only had two plays for negative yardage, and no turnovers.
Special Teams were pathetic, but in the end it was a field goal that won this game. Dominic Zvada missed two field goals, but hit a 31 yarder to win the game with 2 seconds to go. Jack Olsen hit all 3 field goal attempts for the Wildcats. We forced 6 Wildcat punts by Luke Akers, and two were downed inside the 20. Northwestern ran a successful fake punt on our special teams for a first down. Semaj Morgan was finally replaced as punt returner by Andrew Marsh after a fumble turnover. Marsh had a 12 yard punt return. Hudson Hollenbeck only was forced to punt once as our offense gifted the Wildcats the benefit of 4 turnovers, 2 fumbles and 2 interceptions including 3 by Underwood.
It was obvious that Michigan was the better team, but after all the mistakes and losing a two-score lead in the 4th quarter, they were very fortunate to win. This team shouldn't be ranked in the Top 25, and they will get clobbered by Ohio State. Bryce Underwood has talent, but he really doesn't have the poise or the smarts to succeed as a starting quarterback in the Big Ten; he has mega maturing to do. I have been supportive of Coach Moore and the staff until now; the coaching staff is sub-par, and that starts with the Head Coach. We need a new special teams coach and a new defensive backs coach; our defensive backfield is poor on coverage and our special teams units are regressing. On offense, we need a new wide receivers coach; other than Andrew Marsh who is a true talent, we have little wide receiver development. I think Moore deserves a third season, but unless he can deliver another Big Ten Championship, I'm not sure if he should be given a chance to continue. 5 Turnovers in a November Game does NOT equal a good, well-coached football team. Go Blue!
