Observations on the loss to Nebraska, 9-23
Michigan turns the ball over 3 times, and Nebraska converts those turnovers into 10 points while Michigan can't do a thing with 2 early Cornhusker turnovers. Nebraska scores 13 points in 3 red zones, and Michigan gets 6 points in two red zones. Nebraska scored first in the second quarter, and never trailed.
Offense was paltry! No touchdowns for two weeks in a row. Poor play calling by Al Borges. It is starting to bother me that Brady Hoke is the only Division I Head Football Coach that doesn't wear a head set during the game to discuss offensive play calling with Borges. Russell Bellomy was 3 of 16 with 3 interceptions and 38 yards. I don't know why Devin Gardner wasn't installed at some point to turn around the offensive demise. Borges has had two seasons to prepare Bellomy, and there is no evidence that he has developed him. Offense was forced into 4 three and outs in the second half. We have no running game other than Denard, and no passing game with or without Denard. Our offensive line is pretty solid on pass protection although Bellomy was sacked 2 times, but they simply can't power block for a solid running game.
Defense played decently given the 20 minutes time of possession Nebraska had in the second half negating our 11 minute first half advantage. Martinez was 14 of 24 for 166 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception plus 57 yards on 14 carries. Ameer Abdullah gained 101 yards on 24 carries. Nebraska gained 325 total yards in offense, and was 4 of 12 on 3rd down conversions with 20 first downs. Quinton Washington forced the fumble, Craig Roh had a sack, and Mario Ojemudia intercepted the tipped pass by Desmond Morgan. Kenny Demens led the defense with 10 tackles, 1 for loss. Desmond Morgan had 9 tackles, 1 for loss and a tipped pass.
Brendon Gibbons hit three field goals including his longest of 52 yards. Matt Wile missed a 53 yarder. Jeremy Gallon continues to look bad on punt returns muffing a catch at the 10 that goes to the 2.
We are not a very good football team, and beating Minnesota, Northwestern and Iowa will not be easy. It looks like 7-5 or 8-4 on the year, but it could be as bad as 6-6.
Box Score Highlights Player Participation Post Game Press Conference
Observations on the first half with Nebraska
Denard Robinson Desmond Morgan
Greg Mattison on October 23 Al Borges
Brady Hoke Press Conference for Nebraska on October 22 Elliott Mealer Will Campbell