Observations on the first half with Oregon State, 17-7

Michigan comes back with two red zones for 14 points, and scores 3 points off a Beaver turnover. Oregon State scores a TD on their opening drive with their sole red zone, but could not score off a Wolverine turnover.

Offense managed only 6 first downs, but comes up with 163 net yards behind Jake Rudock who was 11 of 15 for 91 yards; the Wolverines converted 5 of 9 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. DeVeon Smith had 11 carries for 76 yards and 2 TDs plus 2 receptions for 24 yards. Amara Darboh had 4 catches for 50 yards.

Defense was led by Chris Wormley and Jarrod Wilson with 5 tackles each. Oregon State took the opening drive, and converted 3 big plays of 20+ yards en route to their opening TD. Seth Collins was 8 of 13 for 79 yards, and ran for 37 yards on 9 carries. Hunter Jarmon caught the 21 yard TD stroke over a defenseless Jourdan Lewis. The Beavers gained 11 first downs, 134 net yards, but their turnover forced by Taco Charlton took them out of a second red zone opportunity. The Beavers were only 1 of 8 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Oregon State had a 6 play advantage although Michigan held a 1 minute time of possession advantage.

Special Teams gets a huge play after the penalty on the punt near the end of the half reversing field position at the Wolverine 2 as the Beaver's high snap gave Michigan the ball at the Oregon State 3 for the final red zone. Kenny Allen hit his only field goal, and Blake O'Neill punted twice for a 47.5 yard average. Brian Cole nearly blocked a couple Beaver punts, and Harbaugh definitely was right to argue to call as the Oregon State punter was outside the tackle box.

2nd Half should continue to be a defensive struggle. Go Blue!