Observations on the first half with Indiana, 24-16
Indiana converts three red zones for 13 points; Michigan converted two red zones for 10 points. Neither team turned the ball over.
Offense had 305 net yards, 12 first downs, and was 2 of 4 on 3rd down conversion; unfortunately, those two times they didn't convert resulted in two "3 and outs." Jake Rudock was 15 of 18 for 224 yards with 3 TDs to Jehu Chesson. Rudock scrambled 3 times for 51 yards; the rest of our runners only accounted for 30 yards. Chesson caught 6 for 140 yards. Jake Butt caught 4 for 36 yards. DeVeon Smith has 4 carries for 20 yards, and Jabrill Peppers had one carry for 19 yards.
Defense just simply can't handle "up tempo" offenses! The Hoosiers gain 300 net yards, 145 on the ground, 20 first downs with 12 on the ground, and converted 5 of 13 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Nate Sudafeld is 15 of 25 for 155 yards and a TD to 9 different receivers. Jordan Howard manhandled the Wolverine defense with 15 carries for 100 yards plus grabbed a 7 yard TD pass, and Devin Redding scampered 9 times for 48 yards. Indiana created a 4 minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 25 more offensive plays. We could only force the Hoosier offense into one punt. This Wolverine defense continues to give up too many big plays (20+ yards). Matt Godin's two offside calls negated a pass interception by Jourdan Lewis.
Special Teams was led by Kenny Allen with 4 kickoffs, 3 touchbacks, 3 extra points, and a field goal. Blake O'Neill punted twice for a 41 yard average.
2nd Half promises to be close if our defense can't get some stops. We are already "sucking air" so the 4th quarter will be interesting. Go Blue!