Observations on the win over Texas-El Paso, 52-17
Michigan exploded with a 28 point 3rd quarter, and overcame a poor first half performance. They cashed with four touchdowns in five red zone trips, and gained a defensive score to even up the points off turnover as both teams scored 7 points off turnover miscues.
Offense gained 431 total yards with 185 on the ground; they had 27 first downs, and were 11 of 15 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Bryce Underwood hit 19 of 25 passes for 223 yards for 2 TDs; he also fumbled away a turnover in the red zone, and was sacked once. Underwood had 6 carries for 22 yards. Tommy Carr hit 2 of 2 passes for 23 yards and a TD; he also ran twice for 18 yards. Andrew Marsh caught 10 passes for 105 yards and a TD. J.J. Buchanann caught 7 passes for 92 yards and a TD. Salesi Moa caught two passes for 23 yards and a TD. Jordan Marshall ran 12 times for 59 yards and a TD, and caught a 16 yard pass. Savion Hiter ran 11 times for 62 yards and two TDs, but fumbled for a red zone turnover. Bryson Kuzdzal ran 5 times for 14 yards. Eli Owens and Tomas O'Meara each had a carry for 7 and 5 yards each. Travis Johnson caught a 10 yard pass, and ran a jet sweep for 2 yards. Michigan held a 3 minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 23 more offensive plays. Michigan was able to give 33 players snaps on offense. Xavier Smith led the Miners with 11 tackles; Justin Content had 10 stops.
Defense allowed the Miners 150 total yards with 57 on the ground; they had 9 first downs, and were 3 of 14 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. EJ Colson hit 7 of 9 passes for 86 yards and 2 TDs; he ran 10 times for -20 yards after 4 sacks. Carver Cheeks scored on a 45 yard TD reception on a 3rd and 1; Michigan anticipated a run, and UTEP had that play ready for that type of situation. Lamar Sperling scored on an 18 yard TD pass following a red zone fumble by Hiter; again, . Defense forced 6 punts, and an interception for a 9 yard TD by Jonah Lea'ea. Chase Taylor led the defense with 5 tackles; Rod Moore, Tariq Boney, Troy Bowled and Max Alford had 4 tackles each. Michigan was able to give 33 players snaps on defense.
Special Teams were led by a 49 yard field goal by Trey Butkowski. Cam Brown punted once for 45 yards. Jacob Baggett had 8 kickoffs, 6 for touchbacks. Andrew Marsh had two punt returns for 10 yards. Bryson Kuzdzal had a 23 yard kickoff return.
Bring on the Hawkeyes! Go Blue!