Observations on the win over Central Michigan, 59-9
Offense rolled to 463 net yards, 242 on the ground, 22 first downs, and dominated time of possession by more than 8 minutes. The Wolverines were forced into only one punt, and three turnovers. Both Devin Gardner and Fitzgerald Touissaint ran for two touchdowns each. Six running backs saw action, and eight wide receivers caught passes. We were seven of seven in the red zone.
Defense was stingy, and held the Chippewas to only 210 net yards in 57 plays with 66 on the ground. We also forced them into seven punts, and two turnovers while they capitalized on three field goals in three red zone trips. Desmond Morgan led the defense with 7 tackles. Josh Furman and Channing Stribling had five each. Ramon Taylor, Blake Countess, Ben Gedeon, Cameron Gordon, and Jarrod Wilson had 4 tackles each. We put Zurlon Tipton and Cody Kater out of the game, and Lavalli had 52 yards on 10 carries with Niznak completing 11 of 22 for 122 yards. The Chips had 12 first downs.
A big punt block by Dymonte Thomas led to the first score from Joe Reynolds. Only one punt on the day, and 8 extra points. The kickoff coverage was good. Norfleet fumbled the first punt inside the 10, and Delano Hill recovered. Several freshman on the kickoff team including Hill and Channing Stribling. We had an uncharacteristic seven penalties. There were 35 players on offense, another 30 on defense plus 4 on special teams so 69 players contributed today.
Notre Dame will be a tough test next Saturday. I think our passing game will be a problem, and our defensive line must get significantly better if we will challenge for a conference championship.
Player Participation Box Score Post-Game Interviews Highlights CMU Rewind
Observations on the first half with Central Michigan
1st Official Depth Chart-Monday, August 26
Greg Mattison on August 27 Al Borges
Game Week-CMU: Cam Gordon Taylor Lewan Jake Ryan Brady Hoke