Observations on the loss to Texas, 27-41
Michigan converted four of five red zones for 24 points; Texas translated two red zones for 14 points. The Wolverines scored 7 points off one Longhorn turnover and the Longhorns picked up 10 points off three 4th quarter Wolverine miscues.
Offense gained 373 net yards with 174 on the ground; they were 9 of 24 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 19 first downs. Bryce Underwood hit 23 of 42 for 199 yards, 2 TDs and 3 interceptions; he ran 14 times for 69 yards and a TD after 25 yards were deducted from sacks. Bryson Kuzdzal ran 20 times for 82 yards. Andrew Marsh caught 3 passes for 10 yards and a TD. Kendrick Bell caught two passes for 24 yards including a 12 yard TD. Donoven McCulley caught 4 passes for 54 yards. Marlin Klein caught 4 passes for 39 yards. Semaj Morgan caught a 9 yard pass, and ran twice for -5 yards; he also missed on another halfback pass, his second of the season. The Longhorns recorded 3 sacks against the Wolverines, and hurried Underwood all day long until he unravelled with three 4th quarter interceptions after Michigan led 27-24 with 10:56 to go in the 4th quarter. Michigan held over 6 minutes time of possession advantage, and it gave them 14 more offensive plays. Ty'Anthony Smith led the Texas defense with 9 tackles plus 2 interceptions.
Defense was a sieve! The Wolverines allowed Texas to gain 456 yards with 235 on the ground; the Longhorns were 5 of 13 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 24 first downs. Arch Manning hit 21 of 34 for 221 yards and 2 TDs, and ran 9 times for 155 yards and 2 more TDs. There were no sacks on Manning, few hurries, and only one quarterback hit as he faced little pressure from this Michigan defense. Christian Clark ran 20 times for 105 yards and a TD. Jack Endries caught 5 passes for 35 yards and a TD. Emmett Mosley caught 5 passes for 51 yards. Kaliq Lockett caught 2 passes for 35 yards including a 30 yard TD pass over Jyaire Hill that put the Longhorns ahead for good with 6:54 to go. Ryan Wingo caught 4 passes for 64 yards. Defense could only force 4 Longhorn punts, and no turnovers. Cole Sullivan and T.J. Metcalf led the defense with 7 tackles each. Jordan Young was impressive at Safety with 6 tackles.
Special Teams got a fumble turnover on a kickoff return by Cole Sullivan; it was recovered by T.J. Metcalf. Andrew Marsh had a fantastic day on kickoff and punt returns with 153 yards. Hudson Hollenbeck was injured after two punts, and Beckham Sunderland had to punt once. Dominic Zvada hit two of three field goals; Texas hit both their field goals by Mason Shipley. Both teams were highly penalized: Texas had 12 penalties for 103 yards, and Michigan had 9 penalties for 95 yards.
Michigan has a weak defense! They are poor at tackling particularly in the open field as exhibited by Arch Manning on his many runs including TD scampers of 60 and 23 yards. I'm looking forward to seeing what Coach Willingham will do to remedy a poor tackling defense, and increasing the physicality of the team at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Go Blue!
