Observations on the win over Rutgers, 52-17
Michigan converted 7 red zones for 38 points; Rutgers converted two first half red zones for 10 points, and the Wolverines scored 21 points in the second half off 3 Scarlet Knight turnovers. Michigan outscored Rutgers, 38-0, in the second half.
Offense gained 433 yards with 282 on the ground, and 21 first downs; Michigan was 10 of 20 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. J.J. McCarthy was 13 of 27 for 151 yards and 2 TDs; he carried 4 times for 6 yards and a TD, and he took some big hits from the Rutgers defenders. Blake Corum ran 20 times for 109 yards and 2 TDs. Donovan Edwards ran 15 times for 109 yards plus had 3 receptions for 52 yards and a TD. Cornelius Johnson caught 3 passes for 18 yards and a TD. Deion Jennings and Avery Young led the Rutgers defense with 10 tackles each; Christian Izien had 9 tackles, and former Wolverine, Aaron Lewis, had 7 stops. Michigan had a 15 time of possession advantage that resulted in 32 more offensive plays.
Defense gave up 180 yards with 5 first downs; Rutgers was 4 of 15 on 3rd and 4th down conversions. Gavin Wimsatt was 14 of 29 for 166 yards and a TD with 3 interceptions. Sean Ryan caught 4 passes for 54 yards and a TD over D.J. Turner. Aaron Cruickshank hauled in 7 passes for 62 yards. Mike Sainristil led all Wolverine tacklers with 5; Mike Barrett had 4 tackles and 2 interceptions including one for a TD.
Special Teams were not good tonight! A blocked punt for a TD is unacceptable. Jake Moody only hit one of three field goal attempts. Michigan punted 4 times with 2 downed inside the 20, and Rutgers punted 7 times with 3 downed inside the 20.
Bring on the Cornhuskers! Go Blue!
