Observations on the first half with Maryland, 9-9

Michigan converts 3 red zone trips for 9 points; Maryland converts 2 red zone visits for 6 points. The Terrapins score 3 points off one Wolverine turnover.

Offense continues to flounder. Devin Gardner completed 8 of 13 for 51 yards. Drake Johnson gained 53 yards on 7 carries, Justice Hayes gained 28 yards on 4 carries, Gardner gained 18 yards on 6 carries, DeVeon Smith gained 15 yards on 5 carries, but the biggest gain came by Fullback Joe Kerridge with a 52 yard romp on a fake punt. The Wolverines gained 217 yards, 166 on the ground with 12 first downs, but were only 2 of 7 on 3rd and 4th down conversions. We dominated the time of possession by 5 minutes resulting in 10 more offensive plays, but lost our edge with the turnover and lack of red zone execution with poor play calls by Nussmeier. The story of the game offensively was we couldn't convert in the red zone, and turned the ball over. I've seen many weak Michigan offenses through the decades, but this group easily is the worst.

Defense was led by Joe Bolden with 6 tackles. Maryland gained only 135 net yards with 5 first downs, and were one of seven in 3rd down conversions. Taco Charlton got a sack. C.J. Brown is 7 of 13 for 88 yards.

Special Teams were bad. Norfleet calls a fair catch with nobody within 10-15 yards of him on a punt; he also looked bad on kickoff returns. We give up a 28 yard punt return to Likely. Matt Wile was 3 of 3 for field goals.

Second Half will continue to be a low scoring nailbiter. I'm not sure if this team deserves a bowl bid, but they could earn one with a good second half.