Observations on the first half with Illinois, 31-0

Michigan converted 4 red zone trips for 24 points. Illinois had no red zones. The Wolverines scored 3 points off one Illini turnover.

Offense powered for 17 first downs, 316 net yards, and was 3 of 5 in 3rd down conversions. Wilton Speight hit 11 of 14 for 165 yards and 2 TDs. DeVeon Smith gained 59 yards in 14 carries and a TD. Khalid Hill scored a TD. Tyrone Wheatley Jr. caught a 21 yard pass for a TD. Amara Darboh caught 4 passes for 69 yards. Jehu Chesson caught 2 passes for 27 yards. Karan Higdon had 3 carries for 24 yards. Eddie McDoom had a 33 yard pass and a Jet Sweep for 19 yards for 52 total. We were only forced into one punt. Julian Jones and Stanley Green led the Illini with 7 tackles each.

Defense was solid again. Illinois had 3 first downs, one on a questionable penalty on Matt Godin. Jeff George Jr. was 0 for 7, and Illinois was 1 of 5 in 3rd down conversions. Ke'Shawn Vaughn rambled for a 45 yard run, but Illinois netted 70 yards in only 18 offensive plays as we held a 13 minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 28 more offensive plays. Ben Gedeon had 4 tackles to lead the Wolverine defense. Dymonte Thomas had an interception.

Special Teams were good. Khaleke Hudson blocked a punt. Kenny Allen hit a 23 yard field goal, and had a 41 yard punt to go along with 4 kickoffs.

Grant Perry didn't dress (discipline???). Chris Evans left with a possible concussion, and didn't return. Ben Braden started at Left Tackle, and Ben Bredeson at Left Guard.

Second Half should be a breeze! Bring on the Spartans! Go Blue