Observations on loss to Wisconsin, 28-48
Wisconsin dominated Michigan with an almost 14 minute time of possession advantage, rolled up 357 yards rushing and converted 5 red zones into 24 points while Michigan scored 21 points in 4 red zone trips, but never could get within 2 scores after the Badgers marched out to a 4 score halftime advantage. Michigan scored 7 points off 2 Wisconsin turnovers, and the Badgers scored 3 points off 2 Michigan turnovers.
Offense lost the game with their poor first half performance, but gave a better account of themselves in the second half. Offense ended up with 442 yards of total offense, 24 first downs, and was 7 of 14 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Denard Robinson rallied the offense for four second half TDs; he ended the game 16 of 25 for 239 yards and 2 TDs, but J.J. Watt forced an important turnover after a tipped pass with an interception when we had driven to the Badger 32 early in the 4th quarter. Robinson gained 121 yards on 22 carries, and 2 TDs. Vincent Smith had 11 carries for 50 yards. Roy Roundtree had 7 catches for 114 yards and a TD. Darryl Stonum had 4 catches for 99 yards and a TD. Jeremy Jackson had his first two catches as a Wolverine. Aaron Henry led the Badger defense with 10 tackles, but more importantly did a great job containing Robinson.
Jonas Mouton and Kenny Demens led the defense with 13 tackles each. Jordan Kovacs had 12 tackles inlcuing a sack. Courtney Avery had 7 tackles including a forced fumble. Unfortunately, the Badgers steamrolled us with 558 yards of total offense, 26 first downs and were 5 of 10 on 3rd down conversions. They had two great second half starts after recovering onside kicks in our territory. Scott Tolzien only threw one second half pass. Monte Ball had 173 yards in 23 carries for 4 TDs. James White had 181 yards in 23 carries for 2 TDs. Lance Kendricks had 4 catches for 74 yards.
Broekhuisen missed a red zone field goal, and he was replaced by Gibbons on PATs the rest of the way. Gallon turned the ball over, and was injured. Our onside kicks almost worked, but the Badgers got the lucky bounce twice. Our special teams play is not Big Ten caliber, and really hurt us in this game. Wisconsin hit both field goals, and didn't make any special teams errors like we did.
I really enjoyed the Bob Griese and Chris Spielman perspectives offered in the game. They are both class people and great color commentators. It's too bad we can't have them every game.
It will be a tough trip to Columbus next week for this team. Ohio State is really playing well on both sides of the ball. It looks like we could get beat worse next week.
Observations on the first half with Wisconsin
Press Conference for Wisconsin: Coach Rod, Adam Patterson, Steve Schilling, Kelvin Grady, Cameron Gordon and James Rogers
Depth Chart for Wisconsin (Game Notes and Wisconsin Games Notes for Michigan)