Observations on the win over Iowa, 26-0
Michigan gained 4 red zones for 20 points with two red zones created by special teams and defense; Iowa gained no red zones. The Wolverines scored 10 points off 3 Hawkeye turnovers.
Offense was subpar! Offense could only gain 213 net yards in total offense with 13 first downs after 4 sacks for 40 yards with only 66 yards in net rushing; they were 4 of 16 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with three "3 and outs." J.J. McCarthy was 22 of 30 for 147 yards; he ran 6 times including 4 sacks for -35 yards. Blake Corum ran 16 times for 52 yards and 2 TDs; he also caught 3 passes for 10 yards. Donovan Edwards ran 4 times for 28 yards; he caught 4 passes for 19 yards. Kalel Mullings ran three times for 15 yards. Alex Orji ran twice for 9 yards. Cornelius Johnson caught 9 passes for 64 yards; he also ran a reverse for no gain. Colston Loveland caught 3 passes for 22 yards. Roman Wilson caught a 14 yard pass. A.J. Barner caught a 13 yard pass. Payton O'Leary caught a 5 yard pass. Michigan had a 12 minute time of possession which gave them 8 more offensive plays. Jay Higgins had 14 tackles for Iowa.
Defense was stellar! Iowa gained only 155 total yards with 35 on the ground with 7 first downs; the Hawkeyes were 4 of 18 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with five "3 and outs." Defense forced the Hawkeyes into 7 punts and 3 turnovers; they got 4 sacks and 5 quarterback hits with 8 pass break ups or passed batted down. Deacon Hill was 18 of 32 for 120 yards. Leshon Williams ran 9 times for 25 yards. Addison Ostrenga caught 7 passes for 50 yards. Kaleb Brown caught 5 passes for 32 yards, and had 2 carries for 10 yards. Nico Ragaini had 3 receptions for 25 yards. Junior Colson and Ernest Hausmann had 8 tackles each for Michigan; Michael Barrett had 7 tackles, and Rod Moore had 5 tackles. Kris Jenkins, Josh Wallace and Kenneth Grant had 4 tackles each. Mike Sainristil forced two fumbles, and had a sack and a quarterback hit. Braiden McGregor forced a fumble and had 2 quarterback hits. Kris Jenkins, Kenneth Grant and Josh Wallace recovered Hawkeye fumbles. Josaiah Stewart batted down 2 passes, and Colson had 2 pass break ups. Sacks were recorded by Sainristil, McGregor, Jaylen Harrell, and Derrick Moore.
Special Teams gave us a two score lead after an 87 yard punt return by Semaj Morgan! Tommy Doman punted 6 times for a 42.3 yard average including a 54 yarder, and two downed inside the 20. James Turner nailed 4 of 4 field goal attempts. Tory Taylor punted 7 times for a 50.4 yards average with one downed inside the 20. Kaden Wetjen had 88 yards in returns with 54 on kickoffs, and 34 on punts. Iowa had 7 penalties for 46 yards; Michigan committed 3 penalties for 25 yards. Michigan won all three phases: Defense, Special Team and Offense.
Bring on the BCS Semi-Finals on January 1 with whoever is chosen as our opponent! Go Blue!