Observations on the win over Colorado State, 51-7
Michigan converted 7 red zones for 34 points with 6 touchdowns and three field goals in 10 possessions, and gained 10 points off two Ram turnovers. Colorado State had no red zones with one late 4th quarter touchdown.
Offense came up with 440 yards in total offense in 68 plays with 25 first downs; 234 yards rushing and 206 yards passing; they were 5 of 12 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Cade McNamara was 9 of 18 for 136 yards including a 61 yard TD pass to Roman Wilson. Blake Corum ran 13 times for 76 yards and a TD. Donovan Edwards had 12 runs for 64 yards and a TD. J.J. McCarthy ran 3 times for 50 yards and a TD plus threw 4 passes with 4 completions for 30 yards. Cade Bowman led the squad to their final red zone TD as he completed 5 of 6 passes for 40 yards, and Alex Orji ran twice for 4 yards with a 4th down "wildcat" TD. C.J. Stokes ran 6 times for 35 yards, and caught a 15 yard pass. 15 different Wolverine receivers caught 18 passes for 206 yards and a TD. Tywan Francis led the Rams with 8 tackles including one for loss. One minute time of possession advantage resulted in 9 more offensive plays.
Defense looked solid! The Wolverines held the Rams to 219 total yards with only 82 on the ground, and 14 first downs. Clay Millen was 16 of 20 for 137 yards with a 34 yard TD to Tory Horton late in the 4th quarter for their only score over Freshman Will Johnson. Millen was sacked 7 times! Michael Barrett had 6 tackles. The defense had at least 26 players contribute in the effort. Michigan forced the Rams into 5 punts, 7 sacks, and two turnovers including a 45 yard fumble return touchdown by J.T. Turner.
Special Teams were solid! Jake Moody hit all three field goals, and had touchbacks on all 8 kickoffs. Tommy Doman also had 2 kickoffs for touchbacks. Eamonn Dennis had a nice tackle on a punt return. Brad Robbins punted twice for a 47 yard average with one downed inside the 20; he had no punts in the second half. Joe Taylor had a 24 yard kickoff return, and A.J. Henning had a 10 yard punt return. Michigan had only one penalty in the game, and that was a hold by Reece Atteberry late in the 4th quarter.
Bring on Hawaii! Go Blue!
