Observations on the first half with South Carolina, 13-21

The Gamecocks take control on the first 3 plays of the game on both sides of the ball, and established a 2 score lead most of the first half. Michigan comes up with 10 points in 2 red zones while South Carolina scores a TD in their lone trip. Michigan gains 3 points off one Gamecock turnover. Big plays carry South Carolina to a halftim advantage.

Offense plays a poor first half! The Wolverines were 6 of 13 in 3rd and 4th down conversions, and gained 181 yards, 51 on the ground, and 12 first downs. Gardner was 11 of 21 for 130 yards, 1 TD and 1 interceptions plus 2 sacks. Jeremy Gallon had 4 catches for 74 yards. Denard Robinson carried 10 times for 48 yards. We have a 12 minute time of possession advantage, but it is meaningless because we can't punch in a score when we need to. Our offensive line has 3 penalties for 40 take away yards including 2 facemask calls.

Defense can't handle the Gamecock passing game. Connor Shaw was 6 of 8 for 80 yards, and Dylan Thompson was 4 for 4 for 75 yards; each threw a TD. Damiere Byrd caught a 56 yard TD and Ace Sanders caught one for 11 yards. They are exploiting our poor safety play. The Gamecocks have 163 yards in total offense with only 8 yards on the ground after 2 sacks were deducted. They only have 5 first downs and not even 9 minutes in time of possession with their quick strike, big play capability against our beleagured defense who can't handle their speed and quickness. They are 2 of 5 in 3rd down conversions, and Connor Shaw has 5 carries for 26 yards.

Special Teams were poor in the first half giving up a 63 yard punt return for a TD by Ace Sanders. Brendon Gibbons hit both his field goals and Matt Wile punted twice for a 44 yard average.

Michigan can't handle the superior speed and quickness by the Gamecocks who should put up at least 40 before the afternoon is over.