Observations on the first half with Rutgers, 35-16

Michigan converts five of six red zone opportunities for 35 points; Rutgers earns three red zones and converts all three for 9 points. Rutgers fumbles twice, recovers both and the Wolverines can't convert any points from one Rutgers turnover.

Offense gained 304 net yards, 16 first downs, and held nearly 9 minutes time of possession advantage which resulted in 14 more offensive plays. Jake Rudock is 14 of 18 for 237 yards and 2 TDs, and was 6 of 8 in 3rd down conversions. DeVeon Smith gained 30 yards on 9 carries plus another 45 yards on two screen passes. Drake Johnson had 5 carries for 11 yards and a TD plus got another 28 yards on a reception. Amara Darboh caught 3 passes for 53 yards and a TD, and Jake Butt caught 3 passes for 46 yards. Jabrill Peppers also scored a TD from 10 yards. Steve Longa had 10 tackles for the Scarlett Knights.

Defense gave up 115 net yards, 88 on the ground, and 9 first downs. Chris Laviano was 5 of 13 for 27 yards, and ran for 8 yards on 5 carries; he was 2 of 6 in 3rd down conversions. Robert Martin has 5 carries for 70 yards including a 54 yarder setting up their first red zone. Our leaderless defense had Jarrod Wilson and Joe Bolden with 4 tackles each; Wilson got his first interception. Safety and Defensive Backfield play continues to be extremely poor with Dymonte Thomas and Delano Hill both making several mistakes, and taking dumb penalties.

Special Teams was all Scarlett Knights!!! Janarion Grant pounded the Wolverines for a 98 yard kickoff return TD, and a 67 yard punt return that led to their final field goal to end the half; Rutgers gained 222 yards on Special Teams. Dymonte Thomas and Jourdan Lewis had some nice kickoff returns, but the wind prevented Kenny Allen from getting better kickoffs. Allen missed his only field goal attempt. Blake O'Neill boomed a 54 yard punt, but Grant took it back 67 yards to the 9 yard line.

Second Half will be a laugher! Bring on the Hoosiers! Go Blue!!!