Observations on the win over Purdue, 36-14
The Wolverines earn 4 red zones for 17 points; the Boilermakers only score 7 points off 3 red zone opportunities, and that was with 15 seconds to go in the game. Michigan earned 7 points off one Boilermaker turnover, but Purdue couldn't score off two Wolverine turnovers.
Denard Robinson was 9 of 14 for 170 yards, one interception and ran 15 times for 63 yards and a TD. Fitzgerald Touissaint had 20 carries for 170 yards and 2 TDs. Offense rolled for 535 yards, 338 on the ground, 25 first downs, 8 of 15 on 3rd and 4th down conversions and gained a 13 minute time of possession advantage. As a result, Michigan ran 14 more offensive plays than the Biolermakers. Jeremy Gallon has 3 catches for 79 yards plus an 11 yard run, and Roy Roundtree also caught two for 61 yards. Vincent Smith had 6 carries for 28 yards and one reception for 26 yards, but threw his only pass incomplete. Michael Shaw came off the bench to gain 56 yards on 5 carries for a TD in the 4th quarter. Devin Gardner was one for two with an interception, and ran 3 times for 9 yards. Brandon Moore caught a 9 yard pass inside the 5 yard line.
Defense came up big after starting the game giving Purdue a TD on a 48 yard screen pass. Troy Woolfolk looked bad at safety on the play. Mike Martin led the defense with 4 tackles including a safety, the first since 2003, and two sacks. Thomas Gordon, Ryan VanBergen and Craig Roh had three tackles each. Purdue has 311 yards of total offense, 89 on the ground and 16 first downs, and were 4 of 15 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. TerBush and Marve have combined for 17 of 27 for 222 yards and 2 TDs plus a pick by Courtney Avery. True Freshman Frank Clark and Brennan Beyer both got significant reps in the second half.
Special Teams were great except the punt return coverage. Brendon Gibbons has two field goals, and hit all 4 extra points. We had great kickoff coverage, 4 returns for 98 yards. Purdue was expected to really have an advantage here, but their punter, Cody Webster, averaged only 37.8 on 4 punts; he was replaced on the last two punts by Carson Wiggs who is their placekicker. Matt Wile has 2 touchbacks on 6 kickoffs. Will Hagerup punted twice in the 4th quarter for a 40.5 yard average. We gave up two second half punt returns for 25 yards.
Desmond Morgan led the defense with 9 tackles (2 on special teams), Thomas Gordon had 7 tackles as did Mike Martin; Martin had 2 sacks including a safety. Defense came up with 4 sacks and a red zone turnover.
On to Iowa with a 7-1 record, and a chance to go 4-1 in the Big Ten with a possible Legends Conference showdown game with Nebraska looming on November 19!!!
Player Participation Box Score Highlights
Observations on the first half with Purdue
Brady Hoke Press Conference on October 26
Greg Mattison Press Conference on October 25
Al Borges Press Conference on October 25
Brady Hoke Press Conference on October 24
Ryan VanBergen Press Conference on October 24
Game Notes for Purdue (Purdue Game Notes for Michigan)
Brady Hoke Press Conference on October 17
Dave Molk Press Conference on October 17