Observations on the win over Wisconsin, 24-10
Michigan gained 4 red zones for 17 points; Wisconsin gained 2 red zones for 10 points. The Wolverines failed to score off one Badger turnover.
Offense gained 445 net yards with 175 on the ground and 19 first downs; they were 5 of 13 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Bryce Underwood was 19 of 28 for 270 yards, and a TD; he also ran 5 times for 12 yards. Justice Hayes had 19 carries for 117 yards and 2 TDs. Jordan Marshall had 9 carries for 44 yards and an 8 yard reception. Donoven McCulley caught 6 passes for 112 yards and a TD, and drew a pass interference penalty. Andrew Marsh had 4 receptions for 80 yards. Semaj Morgan caught 5 passes for 44 yards. Marlin Klein caught 2 passes for 15 yards. Zach Marshall had one catch for 11 yards. The Wolverines erased the big time of possession advantage of the Badgers at halftime, and ran 5 more plays despite a 2 minute Wisconsin advantage. Matt Jung led the Badger defense with 9 tackles, and Christian Alliegro had 8 stops.
Defense had a poor first drive allowing a TD, but then forced the Badgers into six "3 and outs" and 8 punts. Wisconsin gained 252 net yards with 75 on the ground; they had 13 first downs, and were 5 of 15 on 3rd and 4th down conversions. Hunter Simmons was 18 of 29 for 177 yards with an interception by Rod Moore. Dilin Jones carried 17 times for 63 yards and a TD. Vinny Anthony caught 9 passes for 97 yards. Lance Mason caught 3 passes for 30 yards. Jimmy Rolder led the defense with 7 tackles; Derrick Moore had 5 tackles including a sack.
Special Teams play gave Michigan an advantage with Dominic Zvada hitting on of two field goal attempts; the low snap by Greg Tarr contributed to the miss. Nathanial Vakos also hit a Badger field goal. Hudson Hollenbeck punted 4 times for a 49.2 yard average with two downed inside the 20. Atticus Bertrams punted 8 times with 3 downed inside the 20, and one partially blocked by Troy Bowles. Semaj Morgan had a 13 yard punt return. Channing Goodwin caught the onside kick.
We really showed today that we are not a contender for the Big Ten Championships. The best teams in the conference are Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Illinois, and Penn State; we are lucky we only play one of those five. USC will be tough to beat at Los Angeles. Go Blue!