Observations on the first half with Rutgers, 17-19

Michigan gains two red zones and converts both for 14 points; Rutgers also earned two red zones for 10 points. No turnovers for either team.

Offense looked better than expected. Devin Gardner threw 15 times and completed 10 for 149 yards, and ran 6 times for 15 yards and a TD. Derrick Green gained 39 yards in 8 carries, and Deveon Smith had 5 carries for 7 yards and a TD. Devin Funchess caught 3 passes for 54 yards. Offense had 10 first downs, 218 net yards in total offense, and was 3 of 7 in 3rd down conversions.

Defense was an embarrassment!!! Rutgers scored in 4 of 6 drives, had 10 first downs and 323 net yards despite a Wolverine 5 minute time of possession advantage. The Scarlett Knights were 5 of 9 on 3rd down conversions against our weak defense, and we forced them into one punt and another fake punt. Gary Nova was 14 of 25 for 282 yards and 2 TDs. They had at least 5 big plays of 20+ yards including an 80 yard TD pass to Andrew Turzilli where both Channing Stribling and Jeremy Clark were at least 10 yards off him. Frank Clark misses wrapping up Nova on a sack as he completed a TD pass to end the half to Jon Tsimis. Joe Bolden leads the defense with 5 tackles.

Special Teams actually won a half due to a poor fake punt call by Rutgers that Delonte Hollowell rushed to tackle. We also had a blocked extra point by Maurice Hurst that was a low kick. Matt Wile hit a field goal, and Will Hagerup hit 3 punts for a 50.3 yard average with one touchback.

This battle for the cellar in the Eastern Division of the Big Ten should be a nailbiter, but the hope is that Michigan will re-group and rally for a win. Go Blue!