Observations on the win over New Mexico, 34-17
Michigan converted 4 red zones for 24 points; New Mexico gained 4 red zones for 14 points, and both teams had 3 points off one turnover for each team.
Michigan gained 452 net yards with 201 on the ground; the Wolverines had 20 first downs, and were 6 of 14 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 3 "three and outs." Justice Haynes ran 16 times for 159 yards and 3 TDs plus 2 receptions for 6 yards. Bryce Underwood hit 21 of 31 passes for 251 yards and a TD; he was sacked twice. Marlin Klein caught 6 passes for 93 yards and a TD. Semaj Morgan caught 4 passes for 33 yards, and ran twice for another 14 yards. Donoven McCulley caught 4 passes for 31 yards. Channing Goodwin caught two passes for 49 yards. Kendrick Bell caught a 30 yard pass. Tavian Combs led New Mexico with 9 tackles.
Defense held the Lobos to 267 net yards with 50 on the ground; New Mexico had 21 first downs, and were 7 for 18 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Jack Layne hit 31 of 47 passes for 208 yards and a TD, but he also was intercepted 3 times. Dorian Thomas snarred 10 passes for 71 yards and 2 TDs; our vaulted defensive backfield couldn't cover him. Keagan Johnson had 7 receptions for 38 yards, and Michael Buckley had 2 catches for 45 yards. New Mexico dominated time of possession with 6 more minutes that resulted in 13 more offensive plays. Ernest Hausmann led the Wolverines with 8 tackles and a quarterback hit. Mason Curtis was in on 7 tackles with a pass break up. Brandyn Hillman, Cole Sullivan and T.J. Guy snagged interceptions, and Sullivan, Troy Bowles, and Dominic Nichols recorded sacks.
Special Teams were not much of a factor. Dominic Zvada hit both his field goal attempts. Each team punted 4 times. Semaj Morgan fumbled his first punt, but was able to recover the miscue. Andrew Marsh did turn the ball over on a kickoff. Michigan did a nice job bottling up Lobo returner, Abraham Williams.
The game was more competitive than I anticipated. New Mexico was well-prepared for this opening game challenge on the road, and gave the Wolverines all they could handle. Hopefully, the team will improve for the game at Oklahoma; this year's squad has a lot of issues to work out. Michigan played 21 players on offense, and 31 players on defense plus 12 more players on special teams for a total of 64 players. Go Blue!
