Observations on the first half with Florida at the Citrus Bowl, 17-7

Michigan scores 10 points off two red zone trips including 3 points off a Gator turnover. Florida only gained 7 points in two red zone trips.

Jake Rudock was 9 of 15 for 116 yards and a TD. DeVeon Smith gained 68 yards in 10 carries. Drake Johnson gained 37 yards in 4 carries for a TD. Jehu Chesson had 4 catches for 83 yards including a 31 yard TD. Grant Perry caught 2 passes for 23 yards. Overall, Michigan gained 13 first downs, 233 net yards, and was 2 of 4 on 3rd down conversions.

Defense was not good. We gave up 245 net yards and 13 first downs with Treon Harris converting 7 of 10 3rd and 4th down conversions; Harris was 8 of 17 for 146 yards plus ran 8 times for 42 yards. Kelvin Taylor ran 9 times for 40 yards. Antonio Callaway caught 4 passes for 68 yards. Channing Stribling replaced Jabrill Peppers, and is challenged to cover Callaway; however, he did get an interception just before halftime, and also had a pass break up. Callaway threw a 2 yard TD pass on a reverse to Harris for the Gator's only score. Jarrod Wilson also stopped a Gator red zone try with an interception. Royce Jenkins-Stone was credited with one sack on a Harris intentional grounding call. Although we had a one minute time of possession advantage; Florida ran 6 more offensive plays.

Kenny Allen hit his only field goal attempt, and nailed a 57 yard punt along with booming 4 kickoffs into the end zone with one touchback. Florida messed up on a fake field goal, and we only forced them into one punt. Callaway was also dangerous on kickoff returns with a 37 yarder.

2nd half had better include a better defense. Go Blue!