Observations on the first half with Wisconsin, 7-7
Michigan created two red zones, but only converted one for 7 points. Wisconsin gained no red zones and no points off one Wolverine turnover.
Offense gained 169 yards, only 36 on the ground, 9 first downs, and were 4 of 9 in 3rd down conversions. Brandon Peters was 7 of 12 for 133 yards with a red zone turnover. Zach Gentry caught a 35 yarder to set up the first red zone, and Donovan Peoples-Jones caught a 48 yarder to put us in position to earn the second red zone. Sean McKeon has 2 catches for 23 yards. Karan Higdon has 6 carries for 17 yards. Chris Evans has 7 carries for 14 yards plus a 19 yard reception. Ben Mason plunged in from the one for our only TD.
Defense was solid! We allowed the Badgers just 99 yards, 59 on the ground, 4 first downs with only 1 of 6 in 3rd down conversions. Jonathan Taylor has 9 carries for 45 yards. We forced 5 punts, and the Badgers had 3 "3 and outs." Alex Hornibrook hit 4 of 7 for 40 yards, 3 to Troy Fugagalli for 38 of those. Josh Metellus had 6 tackles to lead the defense, and Khaleke Hudson had 5.
Special Teams were bad, very bad! Brad Robbins had 4 punts for a 43.5 yard average with one downed at the 3; however, his short punt of 36 yards was returned for a TD from the 50 by Nick Nelson. Our gunner, Ambry Thomas, fell down, and we had two missed tackles on the return. Kickoff team was solid allowing only a 12 yard return. Ambry Thomas had a 28 yard kickoff return, and Donovan Peoples-Jones had a 9 yard return, but then gave away almost all those yards gained just before the half.
2nd Half will be a nailbiter! Hopefully, the offense will keep improving, and the defense will continue to hold the Badger ground attack! Go Blue!