Observations on the loss to Indiana, 6-13
Michigan gained three second half red zones, but could only convert them into 6 points; Indiana was held scoreless in the second half, but they scored a touchdown in overtime to pull out the win. The Hoosiers had 3 red zones for 13 points; the Wolverines had 4 red zones for 6 points. Indiana scored 6 points off two first half turnovers by Michigan; the Wolverines scored 3 points off one Hoosier miscue.
Offense gained 224 net yards with only 57 on the ground in 13 drives; they were 8 of 23 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 16 first downs. Tommy Carr was 20 of 32 for 167 yards with one intercepion and one fumble for two turnovers; he ran 15 times for 6 yards after deducting 4 sacks. Jordan Marshall ran 12 times for 26 yards, and caught one pass for -1 yard. Savion Hiter ran 10 times for 15 yards. Bryce Underwood ran once for -1, and Bryson Kuzdzal ran 4 times for 11 yards. Andrew Marsh caught 4 passes for 20 yards. J.J. Buchanan caught 6 passes for 57 yards. Hogan Hansen caught 4 passes for 34 yards. Travis Johnson caught an 11 yarder. Channing Goodwin caught 2 passes for 32 yards. Jalen Hoffman caught 2 passes for 14 yards. Michigan held a 7 minute time of possession advantage, and that gave them a 21 offensive play advantage. Rolijah Hardy led the Hoosiers with 9 tackles including two sacks; Amare Ferrell had the interception, and contributed 8 tackles. A.J. Harris had 8 tackles plus two pass break ups. Isaiah Jones also had 8 tackles. As good as our defense was today, Indiana's defense was even better holding our running attack to 1.4 yards per carry; they were disciplined, and their defensive backs covered our receivers like a blanket most of the day.
Defense was solid! They held Indiana to 212 yards in net offense with 131 on the ground; the Hoosiers had 11 first downs, and were 4 of 14 in 3rd down conversions. Josh Hoover hit 8 of 18 for 81 yards with one interception; he ran 4 times for 7 yards including the overtime TD. Turbo Richard ran 19 times for 68 yards. Lee Beebe ran 12 times for 56 yards.Charlie Becker caught 3 passes for 32 yards. Nick Marsh grabbed two for 25 yards. Brock Schott caught the 21 yard overtime pass that set up the deciding touchdown with poor pass coverage from Smith Snowden. Former Wolverine, Tyler Morris, had one catch for 3 yards. Indiana held the ball one minute longer, and it resulted in two more offensive plays. Chris Bracy led the defense with 13 tackles. Nate Staehling had 7 tackles. Zeke Berry had 6 tackles, an interception plus a pass break up.
Special Teams really hurt us today. Trey Butkowski hit two field goals, but missed a 32 yarder in the 3rd quarter. Cam Brown punted 5 times; two were downed inside the 20. Billy Gowers punted 7 times with 3 downed inside the 20. Nico Radicic hit two field goals to match Butkowski's effort.
Rutgers on the road will not be a sure win; in fact, there are no sure wins left on our schedule with our beleagured offense. Go Blue!