Observations on the win over Michigan State, 29-7
Michigan gained 5 red zones for 23 points; Michigan State could only move into one red zone in the first half and came up with no points. The Spartans couldn't convert the one Michigan turnover by Cornelius Johnson into points either. The Wolverines completely dominated the second half, 16-0, and held the Spartans to 3 "3 and outs" to begin the second half.
Offense gained 443 yards with 276 on the ground and 27 first downs; the Wolverines were 10 of 17 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. J.J. McCarthy was 15 of 25 for 167 yards, and ran 7 times for 50 yards. Blake Corum ran 33 times for 177 yards for a TD, and caught a 2 yard pass for another TD. Donovan Edwards gained 42 yards on 10 carries plus caught 2 passes for 38 yards. Luke Schoonmaker caught 5 passes for 70 yards. Ronnie Bell caught 4 passes for 53 yards. Michigan held a 21 minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 25 more offensive plays. Cal Haladay had 13 tackles, Jacoby Windmon had 12 tackles, and Kendell Brooks had 11 tackles including 3 for loss for the Spartans.
Defense let the Spartans gain 252 yards with 37 on the ground for 11 first downs; MSU was 4 of 15 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with two big 4th down stops by the Wolverines. Payton Thorne was 17 of 30 for 215 yards, and ran 5 times for 2 yards after two sacks were deducted. Keon Coleman caught 5 passes for 155 yards and a TD. Jaylan Reed caught 4 passes for 17 yards, and had a 17 yard run. Junior Colson led the defense with 10 tackles; Makari Paige had 6 tackles, and Rod Moore, Mazi Smith, and Kris Jenkins each contributed 5 tackles each for the Wolverine defense.
Special Teams were solid with Jake Moody hitting 5 field goals including a 54 yarder, and had 8 kickoffs for 6 touchbacks and no returns. Roman Wilson had 2 kickoffs for 39 yards. A.J. Henning had one punt return for -1 yard. The Wolverines were only forced into one punt late in the 4th quarter. Michigan State gave Michigan a red zone opportunity that was converted into 7 points after a muffed punt snap. Special Teams play ended up giving Michigan a 22-0 advantage in this game.
Bring on Rutgers! Go Blue!
