Observations on the win over Ohio State, 30-24
Michigan scored 13 points in three red zone trips; Ohio State scored 21 points in their three red zone trips. The Wolverines scored 7 points off two Buckeye turnovers, and the Wolverines played mistake-free football.
Offense gained 338 total yards with 156 on the ground, and 18 first downs; Michigan gained a 7 minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 2 more offensive plays, and was 6 of 15 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. J.J. McCarthy hit 16 of 20 for 148 yards and a 22 yard TD to Roman Wilson; he also ran 4 times for 17 yards after a sack. Blake Corum ran 22 times for 88 yards and 2 TDs. Donovan Edwards ran 10 times for 31 yards, and caught 2 passes for 5 yards. Alex Orji ran twice for 22 yards, and his effort set up a field goal. Roman Wilson had 3 catches for 36 yards and a TD. Colston Loveland had 5 catches for 88 yards. Cornelius Johnson had 4 catches for 33 yards. A.J. Barner caught 2 passes for 25 yards. We were forced into 3 punts. Steele Chambers led the Buckeyes with 13 tackles. Tommy Eichenberg and Sonny Styles had 7 tackles each.
The Buckeyes rolled up 378 total yards with 271 in the air, and had 21 first downs; they were 4 of 9 in 3rd down conversions. The Wolverine defense forced the Buckeyes into 3 punts and two turnovers; one setting up a red zone at the 7 yard line on the interception by Will Johnson. Kyle McCord was 18 of 30 for 271 yards with 2 TDs and 2 interceptions. TreVeyon Henderson had 19 carries for 60 yards and a TD plus 3 catches for another 19 yards. Chip Trayanum had 6 carries for 37 yards. Marvin Harrison had 5 catches for 118 yards and a TD. Cade Stover had 3 catches for 42 yards. Emeka Egbuka had 3 catches for 25 yards and a TD, and recovered a fumble on their final drive. Julian Fleming had 3 catches for 58 yards. Xavier Johnson had a 9 yard reception. Junior Colson led the Wolverines with 11 tackles; Rod Moore and Kris Jenkins had 5 tackles each, and Moore got the game-ending interception.
Special Teams were solid! Tommy Doman nailed a punt at the 2 yard line downed by Quinten Johnson, and was excellent on kickoffs with 4 touchbacks in 7 chances; he averaged 52 yards in those 3 punts including a 71 yarder. James Turner hit all three field goals in the second half including a 50 yarder. Jayden Fielding hit a field goal, but missed the 53 yarder just before halftime. Michigan's return teams were great with the Buckeyes gaining only 42 yards in two kickoff returns by Xavier Johnson; tackles were made by Micah Pollard, Jaydon Hood, Kalel Mullings and German Green.
Both teams were very well-matched with excellent defenses! We will pulverize Iowa, and be in the playoff for the third season in a row most probably in the Rose Bowl against Washington, Oregon or Florida State. Bring on the Hawkeyes! Go Blue!
