Observations on the first half with Iowa, 21-7

Michigan capitalizes on two Hawkeye turnovers for 14 points. The Wolverines score 14 points in two red zones while Iowa comes up short twice in three red zones for 7 points.

Offense gained 113 net yards after beginning with 3 "three and outs" and zero for 4 in 3rd down conversions. Iowa forced us into 5 punts. We ended up 3 of 8 in 3rd down conversions with 7 first downs. Devin Gardner was 8 of 16 for 6s yards and a 2 TDs, and ran 6 times for 23 yards. Jeremy Gallon grabs 4 for 44 yards and a TD, and A.J. Williams caught his first Wolverine pass for a 2 yard TD. We have 51 net yards in rushing with Derrick Green carrying 7 times for 16 yards, and Fitz Toussaint carrying 4 times for 9 yards; he also caught 3 passes for 16 yards. Time of possession was even and Iowa ran two more plays, but their mistakes in turnovers and special teams were the difference.

Defense came up with a big start with Jake Ryan forcing a turnover to Brennan Beyer for a TD on the first series. Iowa gained 170 net yards, 78 on the ground, 8 first downs, and were 2 of 8 in 3rd down conversions. Jake Ryan led the Wolverines with 5 tackles, James Ross and Willie Henry had 4.

Special Teams gave up a 60 yard kickoff return that resulted in the last Hawkeye red zone with 30 seconds to go; however, the defense helped dodge a bullet with a stop and a muffed field goal attempt, their second of the half in two red zones. Matt Wile averaged only 32.2 yards on 5 punts mostly kicking into the wind; luckily, his two poor punts of 16 and 21 yards didn't hurt us as bad as they could have. Jeremy Gallon had an 8 yard punt return.

Second Half will be up to who has the wind in the 4th quarter, and the Hawkeyes deferred to choice so we'll really need to bring it in the 3rd quarter to hold them off. Go Blue!