Observations on the win over Western Michigan, 49-3!
Michigan converted 4 red zones for 28 points, and capitalized on one Bronco turnover for a TD; Western Michigan managed their first red zone of the game on their last drive against our second unit, and converted it into 3 points.
Offense gained 20 first downs, 308 rushing yards and 451 yards in total offense in 53 plays. Karan Higdon ran 13 times for 156 yards and a TD, but didn't play in the second half; Chris Evans ran 10 times for 86 yards and 2 TDs. Shea Patterson hit 12 of 17 passes for 125 yards and 3 TDs. Sean McKeon caught 2 passes sfor 23 yards and a TD. Nico Collins caught a 44 yarder for a TD. Donovan Peoples-Jones caught 4 passes for 31 yards and a TD. Jake McCurry caught his first pass for 18 yards and a TD from Dylan McCaffrey.
Defense throttled the Bronco offense. Western Michigan gained 208 net yards in 74 offensive plays with 123 on the ground for 17 first downs. Jon Wassink was 16 for 34 for 85 yards with an interception by Noah Furbush. Lamar Bellamy ran 117 times for 65 yards and caught 3 passes for 3 yards. Josh Metellus had 7 tackles, but took a dumb unsportmanlike conduct penalty. Rashan Gary and Khaleke Hudson had 6 tackles each.
Special Teams blocked a punt by Khaleke Hudson. Jake Moody had 8 kickoffs with 7 touchbacks. Will Hart punted 3 times for a 56.7 yard average with one inside the 20. Quinn Nordin missed a 40 yard field goal. Donovan Peoples-Jones again was luckluster in fielding punts with one return for -5 yards and a fumble.
We are now good enough to beat Western, Grand Valley, Central Michigan and probably Eastern Michigan (although they handled Purdue yesterday); however, we may not be good enough to beat Michigan State in our state! We have a lot of improving to do if we are to be State Champion in 2018!
