Observations on the win over Wisconsin, 38-13
Michigan gained 5 red zones for 21 points; Wisconsin only managed one red zone with 3:47 to go in the game for 6 points. The Wolverines capitalized on 2 Badger turnovers for 10 points.
Offense gained 21 first downs, 320 rushing yards (237 in the second half) and 124 passing yards for 444 total yards in 69 plays with 5 of 13 in 3rd down conversions. Shea Patterson was 14 of 21; he ran for 90 net yards and a TD in 9 carries after 3 sacks were deducted. Karan Higdon had a great second half, and ended up with 19 carries for 105 net yards and a TD; he also had a 15 yard reception. Nico Collins had 4 receptions for 31 yards while Donovan Peoples-Jones got 3 grabs for 30 yards. Nick Eubanks set up a score with a 28 yard reception. Dylan McCaffrey ran for a 44 yard TD in mop up duty.
Defense held the Badgers to 11 first downs, and gave up 183 net rushing yards; Wisconsin gained 283 total yards in 49 plays, and was 3 of 12 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. We forced the Badgers into 7 punts, and two turnovers. The 14 extra minutes we had for time of possession gave us 20 more offensive plays. Alex Hornibrook was 7 of 20 for 100 yards with 2 interceptions and two sacks. Jonathan Taylor had 101 yards in 17 carries. Kendric Pryor scored a TD on a 33 yard jet sweep. Tyree Kinnel and Josh Metellus led the defense with 5 tackles each; Metellus interception came off a tip by David Long. LaVert Hill returned an interception for a TD in the 4th quarter. Devin Bush and Josh Uche had sacks. We played pretty well despite the absence of one of our best players: Rashan Gary.
Quinn Nordin hit 3 of 5 field goal attempts so we left 6 points on the field. Jake Moody had 8 kickoffs with 3 touchbacks; we only allowed 47 yards in kickoff returns. Will Hart punted twice with one downed inside the 20. Donovan Peoples-Jones had 2 returns for 32 yards. Jake McCaffrey led the special teams with 2 tackles, Joe Hewlett and Jordan Glasgow had one each.
Bring on the Spartans! Go Blue!