Observations on the win over Maryland, 42-21
Michigan converted 4 red zones for 21 points, and gained a late TD off a Maryland Turnover. The Terrapins scored 14 points in two 4th quarter red zones, and no points off one Wolverine turnover. The game start was delayed for 70 minutes due to lightning in the area.
Offense played solidly! Shea Patterson was 19 of 27 for 282 yards with 3 TDs plus an interception. Offense rolled up 24 first downs, 465 yards in total offense in 68 plays while converting 9 of 15 3rd and 4th down conversions. The Wolverines gained an edge of 18 more offensive plays due to a 11 minute time of possession advantage. Karan Higdon gained 103 yards in 25 carries for a TD and Ben Mason scored the other rushing TD with 12 yards in 5 carries plus a 2 point conversion. Zach Gentry caught 7 passes sfor 112 yards, Sean McKeon caught 3 for 22 yards, and Nico Collins caught a 51 yarder to set up the first red zone. Ronnie Bell caught two passes for 24 yards and a TD. Grant Perry caught 3 passes for 24 yards, and threw a completion for 12 yards on a reverse to McKeon. Tre Watson had 10 tackles for the Terrapins, but was ejected for targeting when he hit Donovan Peoples-Jones in the 3rd quarter. DPJ came right back after many thought he was concussed with a 34 yard TD pass. 5th year Senior Jared Wangler also caught a 5 yard pass for a TD. Chris Evans did not dress for the 3rd game in a row.
Defense was also solid! The Terrapins were held to 11 first downs, 220 yards in 50 offensive plays with only 6 of 14 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. We forced Maryland into 6 punts with 4 "three and outs," and a turnover. The Terrapin running attack was held in check with 147 yards in 37 carries with 2 rushing TDs in the red zone. Kasim Hill was 5 of 10 for 62 yards with an interception while being sacked twice. Tyree Kinnel led the defense with 7 tackles; Devin Bush had 6 stops. Khaleke Hudson also gained a sack, and contributed 5 tackles. Josh Metellus and Josh Ross had 4 tackles each. Brandon Watson ran back a 46 yard interception for a TD in the 4th quarter. Rashan Gary did not dress today. Michael Dwumfour gained a sack and left the game in the second quarter with what looked like an achilles heal injury; however, he tweeted after the game that he's o.k.
Special Teams kept Maryland in the game early with a 98 yard TD on a kickoff return by Ty Johnson. Quinn Nordin two field goals, and Jake Moody hit 8 kickoffs for 4 touchbacks while Will Hart only punted once with a 45 yard touchback. Donovan Peoples-Jones returned two punts for 21 yards, and Ambry Thomas got two returns for 45 yards; Thomas recovered his own fumble on one return. The Terps were penalized 12 times for 107 yards with 2 players ejected for targeting.
Bring on the Badgers! Go Blue!!!