Observations on the win over Maryland, 45-20
Michigan converted 8 red zone trips for 42 points; Maryland converted three red zone trips for 13 points. The Wolverines scored 7 points off one Terrapin turnover.
Offense gained 443 net yards with 228 on the ground; they had 27 first downs, and were 12 of 14 in 3rd down conversions and didn't have to punt at all. Bryce Underwood hit 16 of 23 for 215 yards and 2 TDs; he was sacked twice, and had 20 yards in 8 carries. Bryson Kuzdzal ran 20 times for 100 yards and 3 TDs plus had an 8 yard reception. Andrew Marsh caught 5 passes for 76 yards and a TD. Donoven McCulley caught 2 passes for 46 yards and a TD. Zach Marshall caught 2 passes for 30 yards. Marlin Klein caught 3 passes for 37 yards. Max Bredeson caught a 7 yard pass, but left the game with a leg injury. Michigan held an eleven minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 5 more offensive plays. Jalen Huskey and Lavain Scruggs led the Maryland defense with 8 tackles each.
Defense allowed Maryland 347 total yards wtih 71 on the ground; the Terrapins had 21 first downs, and were 7 of 18 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Malik Washington was 19 of 39 for 153 yards and a TD plus an interception by Mason Curtis; Washington had 10 carries for 16 yards, and he was sacked 3 times. Shaleak Knotts caught 4 passes for 82 yards. Jalil Farooq caught 5 passes for 71 yards and a TD. Octavian Smith caught 5 passes for 62 yards. DeJuan Williams ran 12 times for 40 yards, and caught 3 passes for 29 yards. Dorian Fleming caught 3 passes for 19 yards and a TD. Mason Curtis led the defense with 6 tackles, and the interception.
Dominic Zvada hit one of two field goal attempts; he is no longer a dependable placekicker. Andrew Marsh has been an improvement with punt returns with 23 yards on 2 chances; Marsh also had two kickoff returns for 48 yards. One great play by the special teams was the recovery of the onside kick by Chase Taylor early in the game. Maryland had no kickoff or punt returns. Beckham Sunderland had 8 kickoffs with 5 touchbacks.
Bring on the Buckeyes! Go Blue!