Observations on the win over Hawaii, 63-3

Michigan converted 6 red zones for 42 points, and two turnovers into 14 more points. Hawaii gained a turnover and a red zone, but couldn't convert either into points; however, the Rainbow Warriors hit a 55 yard field goal in the 4th quarter to avoid the shutout.

Offense gained 25 first downs, and 494 yards in total offense with 288 on the ground. Wilton Speight hit 10 of 13 for 145 yards and 3 TDs, and the Wolverines were able to play four quarterbacks who went 17 of 20 for 206 yards. Chris Evans ran 8 times for 112 yards and 2 TDs. Ty Isaac ran 9 times for 52 yards, and DeVeon Smith ran 6 times for 27 yards until he left with a rib injury. Jehu Chesson carried 2 times for 11 yards, and Eddie McDoom ran twice for 34 yards on jet sweeps. Karan Higdon ran 6 times for 35 yards, and scored his first TD as a Wolverine. Khalid Hill scored a TD on a 7 yard run. Amara Darboh caught 3 passes for 42 yards and a TD, Chesson grabbed 3 for 43 yards, Jake Butt caught a 19 yard TD, and Grant Perry scored the first TD on  12 yard reception; in all, 11 Wolverines receivers had catches including three freshman, Sean McKeon, Kekoa Crawford, and McDoom.

Defense was as good as advertised! We held the Rainbows to 16 first downs, and 229 total yards mostly on our second unit. Ikaika Woolsey and Dru Brown combined for 12 of 23 for 151 yards. Delano Hill got a 27 yard interception for a TD, and Channing Stribling raced 51 yards with his pickoff for another score. Mike McCray led the Wolverine defense with 9 tackles, 2 for loss including a forced fumble, Jabrill Peppers had 8 stops, two for loss, Chase Winovich had 6 tackles, Ben Gedeon was in on 5 tackles, one for loss, and Dymonte Thomas also had 5 tackles to lead the defense. Hawaii netted 81 yards in rushing, and was 2 of 13 in 3rd and 4th down conversions.

Special Teams looked pretty good. Jabrill Peppers had 2 punt returns for 28 yards, and Kenny Allen kicked off six times with 3 touchbacks. Kenny Allen hit five extra points, and Ryan Tice knocked four through the uprights. Walk-on James Foug had four second half kickoffs. Jordan Glasgow led the special teams with two tackles on kickoffs. Michigan didn't punt once.

A number of players (27) switched jersey numbers from the August 7 roster posted; Drake Johnson, Noah Furbush, and Wyatt Shallman didn't dress for the game due to injuries. Kareem Walker didn't dress because he may be academically ineligible. Patrick Kugler started at Left Guard with the injury to Ben Braden; then, Ben Bredeson replaced Kugler. Jourdan Lewis also didn't play due to injury. A lot of players were able to see action today and a record was set in playing 17 freshman in the first game, 9 on offense and 8 on defense. Michigan played 12 running backs, 4 quarterbacks, 6 Tight Ends, and 9 wide receivers, and 10 offensive lineman for 41 offensive players. On defense, Coach Brown played 11 defensive linemen, 7 linebackers, and 11 defensive backs for 29 players. There were 9 other special teams players who also contributed; so, in all, 79 players on the roster saw action today.

We definitely look better than last season, hopefully we'll continue to improve as the season progresses. Go Blue!!!

Observations on the first half with Hawaii Box Score Player Participation Highlights Post Game Press Conference

Jim Harbaugh Press Conference on August 29 (Players: Lewis, Wormley and Butt)

Coaches Brown and Drevno on August 22

Big Ten Network Coverage of Michigan Football Practice on August 15

DiNardo also impressed with Michigan, and mentioned Gary, Bush and Kemp as outstanding frosh along with Bredeson and Onwenu. The Big Ten Network team including DiNardo picked Michigan to finish 3rd in their division behind Ohio State and Michigan State after observing all Big Ten Team Practices.

Harbaugh on August 7

Roster updated on August 7

Shelton Johnson, Ahmir Mitchell and Kareem Walker miss team picture on August 7 due to "other commitments"

Harbaugh at Big Ten Media Day on July 25 (Players)