Observations on the first half with Ohio State, 14-14

Michigan converted both red zone opportunities for 14 points; Ohio State converted one red zone for 7 points. No turnovers for either team.

Offense gained 146 yards, 83 on the ground with 7 first downs in 35 plays. John O'Korn was 9 of 16 for 63 yards and a TD with one sack. We were 4 of 9 on third down. Chris Evans ran 7 times for 48 yards plus caught 3 passes for 11 yards; Karan Higdon ran 6 times for 32 yards. Zach Gentry had 2 receptions for 32 yards. Khalid Hill caugh a pass for 10 yards. Sean McKeon caught 2 passes for 6 yards including a TD. Jerome Baker and Tuff Borland led the Buckeye defense with 4 tackles each. We held a 3 minute time of possession advantage resulting in 7 more offensive plays.

Defense started well, but really tanked in the second quarter. C. J. Barrett hit 3 of 7 for 30 yards and a TD while being sacked twice; he ran 11 times for 74 yards and a TD while being sacked twice and losing 17 yards with a fumble recovery. They were 3 of 7 in 3rd down conversions. J.K. Dobbins had 6 carries for 44 yards. The Bucks gained 117 yards, 87 on the ground with 8 first downs. We forced them into 4 punts with their first 3 drives going "3 and out." Michael McCray led the defense with 6 tackles; Rashan Gary had 4. Gary and Winovich had sacks.

Special Teams was, as usual, up and down! Brad Robbins punted 5 times with 2 over 50 yards, but only one downed inside the 20; K.J. Hill retunred 3 punts for 27 yards. They gained 27 yards on the punt we had downed at the 22, but had to re-punt due to a penalty, and they got the ball at the 47 for their last score. James Foug and the kickoff team have been solid. Donovan Peoples-Jones had 3 returns for 54 yards including one return setting us up in the red zone.

2nd Half is up to the defense! If we continue to sieve, the Bucks will pour it on; if they toughen up especially when the ball is on our side of the field, we'll have a chance. Go Blue!