Observations on the win over Maryland, 38-7
Michigan gained 6 red zones for 31 points; Maryland came up "empty" in their three red zone attempts. The Wolverines failed to score points off the one Terrapin turnover.
Offense could only gain 16 first downs, 331 net yards in 63 plays with a mere 155 on the ground. Michigan were 9 of 17 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Shea Patterson was 13 of 22 for 151 yards and a TD. Hassan Haskins got his second start and carried 13 times for 60 yards for a TD plus had 3 receptions for 9 yards; Zach Charbonnet also carried 8 times for 28 yards and 2 TDs. Tru Wilson carried 5 times for 50 yards. The Wolverine receivers caught 16 passes for 176 yards with Nick Eubanks scoring the the only TD. Overall, it was a very unimpressive performance by the offense after watching the last 6 quarters of Notre Dame and Penn State; the most impressive statistic for Michigan was no turnovers, fumbles or interceptions. Isaiah Davis had 9 tackles for the Terps.
Defense came up big when they needed to! Maryland gained 16 first downs, 233 yards in 68 plays with 129 on the ground; the Terps were 6 of 18 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Josh Jackson, Fred Jackson's son and Ann Arborite, was 9 of 20 for 97 yards with one interception. Anthony McFarland ran 14 times for 60 yards and had a 9 yard reception; Javon Leake ran 9 times for 38 yards, and had a 97 yard kickoff return for the Terps only score. Maryland had a 4 minute time of possession advantage; it only resulted in 5 more offensive plays. Josh Metellus got 9 tackles with an interception to lead the Wolverines. Jordan Glasgow and Khaleke Hudson had 8 stops each, and Kwity Paye had 7. Josh Uche had 3 tackles including 2 sacks; the Wolverines had 4 sacks on Maryland, and forced the Terps into 8 punts and a turnover.
Special Teams came up big in the first half, but weren't a factor in the second half. Giles Jackson ran the opening kickoff 97 yards for a TD! I can't remember when it was that Michigan took the opening kickoff into the end zone to start a game. Jake Moody kicked off 7 times with 4 touchbacks; however, he missed a 37 yard field goal just before half. Quinn Nordin hit a field goal. Will Hart punted 5 times for a 49.8 yard average with 2 inside the 20. Donovan Peoples-Jones had 5 punt returns for 15 yards. Michael Barrett took a fake punt on a wildcat, and scampered for 14 yards on a 4th and 1. Each team had a kickoff return for a TD, and both teams missed a field goal; then, Michigan made a field goal in the 4th quarter. The big play on special teams for the Wolverines was the fake punt!
Bye Week and then the Spartans at home! Go Blue!