Observations on the win over Notre Dame, 45-14
Michigan converted 5 red zone opportunities for 31 points; Notre Dame gained one red zone after a controversial pass interference call that negated an intercepion by Brad Hawkins for 7 points; they gained a second red zone in the final minutes of the game with their backup quarterback, and converted against our 2nd string defense for a total of 2 red zones for 14 points. The Wolverines also converted 2 Irish turnovers into 10 points; Patterson fumbled 3 times, but there were no turnovers for Michigan.
Offense pummeled the Irish as they gained 23 first downs, 303 rushing yards in 57 attempts for 3 TDs. Michigan was 3 of 12 in 3rd down conversions. Hassan Haskins got the start, and rushed 20 times for 149 yards; Zach Charbonnet had 15 rushes for 74 yards and 2 TDs. Shea Patterson hit 6 of 12 passes for 100 yards and 2 TDs, and ran 11 times for a net of 2 yards. Tru Wilson gained 45 yards in 6 carries for a TD. Mike Sainristil caught 3 passes for 73 yards and a TD. Donovan Peoples-Jones caught 2 passes for 28 yards and a TD, and Nico Collins caught a 16 yard TD pass. Offense punted 7 times after six "3 and outs;" however, they had no turnovers despite 3 fumbles.
Defense held the Irish to 12 first downs, and 180 yards in net offense in 60 plays with only 47 yards rushing in 31 attempts; the Irish were 3 of 16 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. The Irish were forced into 10 punts, 2 turnovers, and seven "3 and outs" by our defense. Ian Book was 8 of 25 for 73 yards and a TD. Cam McGrone led the Wolverine defense with 12 tackles. We had 5 quarterback hits on Ian Gold with 2 sacks.
Special Teams played well. Will Hart punted 7 times with one blocked; fortunately, Notre Dame turned a great opportunity after the block at the Michigan 30 into a fumble which the Wolverines recovered. Jake Moody hit his only field goal, and kicked off 8 times with great kickoff coverage. Donovan Peoples-Jones had 4 punt returns for 24 yards; Giles Jackson ran a kickoff back 23 yards.
We finally have the offense untracked! Now, the revamped and confident offense plus our improving defense will hopefully rally this team into a strong Big Ten finish! Go Blue!