Observations on the first half with Western Michigan, 20-10

Michigan converts two red zones for 13 points while the Broncos converted three red zones into 10 points. They missed a field goal, and gave us a TD on a 94 yard interception by Brandon Herron just about when they were ready to score. They also missed a field goal. We really dodged a bullet when J.T. Floyd wasn't called for obvious pass interference or at least holding in the end zone with the score at 7-7 in the second quarter with 12:39 to go on a 2nd and 12 play in the end zone; the Broncos missed a field goal on that drive that could have given them the lead. We have 7 points off turnover; they have no turnovers. Each team has one three and out.

Denard Robinson was 8 of 9 for 61 yards, and ran for another 40 yards on 6 carries. Fitzgerald Touissaint only had 25 yards in 8 carries, but scored two TDs in his first start. Kevin Koger, Jeremy Gallon and Roy Roundtree had two catches each. Offense rolled up 146 yards in totall offense, 85 on the ground with 12 first downs and was 4 of 6 in 3rd and 4th down conversions.

Defense looks bad. We are not getting penetration at the line of scrimmage, no pass rush and continue to have issues in tackling. Jordan Kovacs has 6 tackles and Brandon Herron has 5, but we have not improved much from last year. Thomas Gordon, Kenny Demens and Courtney Avery had 4 tackles each. Two good plays were when Thomas Gordon blew up a screen pass and when Jake Ryan tipped the red zone pass that Herron picked off. Troy Woolfolk left the game with an ankle injury on kickoff team, and will not return. That is one of the risks of using starters on special teams. Western Michigan rolled up 199 yards in total offense, 64 on the ground. Carder was 17 of 24 for 135 yards. Drake ran for 47 yards on 5 carries. White has 9 catches for 96 yards. They are 4 of 8 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 11 first downs. Doug Wiggins has 7 tackles for the Broncos.

Special Teams look bad. Wile has not impressed on punts or kickoffs. Gibbons had an extra point blocked. The Broncos returned two kickoffs up near midfield with Wallace gaining 121 yards on 4 returns. White had an 11 yard punt return on a 35 punt by Wile. Kelvin Grady took the final kickoff 7 yards deep in the end zone, and with a poor choice ran the ball to the 12.

In the pre-game, it was announced that Cam Gordon wouldn’t start due to a back injury opening the door for Jake Ryan and Brennan Beyer to spell him. Also, Ricky Barnum, Stephon Hopkins and Marell Evans apparently aren’t playing due to some disciplinary issues. As a result, Mike Schofield will start at Left Guard and J.B. Fitzgerald will back up Kenny Demens at MIKE (middle) Linebacker. Matt Wile will kickoff and punt, and Brendon Gibbons will handle placekicks. Drew Dileo, Jeremy Gallon and Blake Countess are doing punt returns.

Second Half will be close, two teams are pretty evenly matched. It will be a 4th quarter game, and the Broncos know they're in it.