Observations on the win over Indiana, 31-10
Michigan completely dominated play in the second half after a first half scare from the Hoosiers in their Homecoming game! Michigan converted 5 red zone trips into 21 points; Indiana had 3 first half red zone trips for 10 points, but couldn't overcome a tenacious Wolverine defense in the second half. Each team had one turnover each on interceptions, but neither could score any points off those turnovers. We never had a 2-score lead until late in the 4th quarter; this game was much closer than expected through 3 quarters.
Offense gained 469 yards with 165 on the ground; they were 7 of 15 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 26 first downs. Michigan held a nearly 16 minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 2 more offensive plays. The Wolverines continue to have play calling problems particularly in the red zone from their coaching staff with two failed red zone opportunities. J.J. McCarthy hit 28 of 36 for 304 yards with 3 TDs and one interceptions, and ran 4 times for 26 yards. The offensive line protected McCarthy with no sacks or quarterback hits despite losing starting right tackle, Trente Jones, to what appears to be a high ankle sprain. Blake Corum ran 25 times for 124 yards including a 50 yard scamper in the first series that led to a 1 yard TD. Ronnie Bell caught 11 passes for 121 yards. Luke Schoonmaker caught 9 passes for 67 yards for a TD. Donovan Edwards ran 7 times for 15 yards, and caught a 10 yard pass. Cornelius Johnson caught 4 passes for 58 yards and 2 TDs. Andrel Anthony caught 2 passes for 32 yards. Bradley Jennings led the Hoosier defense with 13 tackles. Devon Matthews had 9 tackles plus an interception for Indiana.
Defense was impressive in the second half after a lackluster first half! Connor Bazelak hit 25 of 49 for 203 yards and a TD plus a pick; the Hoosier had 21 first downs, and were 5 of 16 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 222 total yards. Bazelak was sacked 7 times for -61 yards plus absorbed 4 quarterback hits as the Wolverine pressure was too much for the Hoosier offense in the second half. The Indiana offense only ran for 19 yards after the sacks were deducted. Jaylin Lucas ran 4 times for 45 yards plus caught 3 passes for 20 yards. Emery Simmons caught 7 passes for 57 yards. Shaun Shivers caught 4 passes for 17 yards. Josh Henderson caught 4 passes for 34 yards including an 11 yard TD pass. Michael Barrett and Junior Colson led the Wolverine defense with 7 tackles each; Rod Moore had 6 tackles plus an interception. Eyabi Okie was impressive with a sack, a tackle for loss, 2 tipped passes, and a quarterback hit along with several hurries. Kris Jenkins had 5 tackles, and 2 quarterback hits. Give credit to Indiana Coach, Tom Allen; he had his team well-prepared, and built confidence in his team with their first half performance. Also, give credit to Wolverine Defensive Coordinator, Jesse Minter, on tremendous second half adjustments to completely suffocate the Indiana offense.
Special Teams was even most of the way until late in the game when the Wolverines gained an advantage. Mike Morris blocked a field goal. Jake Moody hit a field goal, and all extra points with a new snapper, Greg Tarr. Brad Robbins has punted 3 times for a 48.3 yard average with one downed inside the 20; James Evans punted 6 times for the Hoosiers with 2 downed inside the 5 yard line. A.J. Henning had 3 kickoff returns for 58 yards, and 4 punt returns for 36 yards. Michigan really had a bad day with several mental mistakes, and took 10 penalties for 85 yards.
Hopefully, Mike Hart will recover from thes seizure he suffered during the game, and his medical prognosis may or may not include an immediate return to coaching duties. The team was really shaken and shocked by the loss of Coach Hart, but the halftime phone call from him helped the team to focus on the job at hand in the second half.
Bring on the Nittany Lions! Go Blue!