Observations on the loss to Toledo, 10-13!

Observations on the loss to Toledo, 10-13!

1-Michigan comes up with only 3 points off three red zones while Toledo gains 3 points off two red zones. The big difference in the game was the Rockets get 10 points off three Wolverine turnovers while Michigan comes up with nothing off one Toledo turnover.

2-Steven Threet was 7 of 11 for 55 yards, 2 TDs: One for Michigan on a 27 yarder to Minor and One for Toledo on a 100 yarder to Herbert. Nick Sheridan played much of the 2nd half, and completed 8 of 16 for 65 yards. Don't blame Sheridan for the two interceptions, but do blame Tony Clemons on two tipped passes that one for sure was a catchable ball that he tipped for turnovers. Michigan had 19 first downs, 290 net offensive yards, and was 5 of 15 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Due to such a poor offensive performance in the 2nd half, Toledo was able to gain a 7 minute time of possession advantage for the game; that certainly contributed to the outcome.

3-Sam McGuffie had 25 carries for 105 yards, and a 29 yard catch setting us up in the red zone at the 18 with about a minute to go. McGuffie had 4 other catches to add another 18 yards. Our net rushing yardage was 170 yards. A telling tale in the Toledo game was zero rushing TDs for Michigan.

4-Defense allowed Toledo to gain 327 net yards, 17 first downs and 8 of 20 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Misdirection plays were a great game plan, and gave us problems. Defense had one sack and only 4 tackles for loss. Our defensive failures to adjust led to an 8 minute time of possession advantage in the 2nd half by the Rockets. Harrison, Brown and Ezeh led the defense with 7 tackles each. Cissoko spelled Warren, and VanBergen played for Graham in their first Wolverine starts.

5-Opelt was 33 of 50 for 257 yards, and Moore has 20 catches for 162 yards to lead Toledo's offense. Moore set a reception record at Michigan Stadium. DaJuane Collins had 65 yards on 10 carries. Archie had 12 tackles, and Herbert had 2 interceptions to lead the Rocket defense. Give Herbert and Moore the game balls for outstanding defensive and offensive performances for the Rockets.

6-Special teams were outplayed by Toledo in the second half; they convert two field goal attempts while we miss our only attempt to send the game into overtime. Lopata must really feel bad, but don't peg this loss on him; we deserved to lose and Toledo deserved to win. A great 62 yard punt by Claus when they needed a big punt for field position in the 4th quarter; Claus nailed 3 inside our 20 while Mesko nailed 4 inside the Rocket 20.

7-Nobody really cares about our injuries as an excuse and/or explanation for losing to a MAC team. Zion Babb started for Daryl Stonum who is still getting back into good graces following a discipline issue, Boubacar Cissoko starts for an injury plagued Donovan Warren and Ryan VanBergen starts for Brandon Graham who is out with leg infection. Tony Clemons spelled an injured Martavious Odoms. Toledo knocked out Brandon Minor with a jarring tackle to the ribs. Steven Threet left the game with a bruised throwing arm injury. McGuffie got his "bell rung" on the last catch setting us up in the red zone. That's football!!! Both teams have to play "over" injuries; that is why you have 85 scholarship players, and "depth."

8-Michigan's first ever loss to a MAC team, and it is fitting since our program has regressed under Rodriquez to the level of a mediocre MAC team. We were outcoached again as well as outplayed, outhustled, etc. We have probably had our last win of the season, and will finish 2-10 on the season. I don't see us winning any more games with the pathetic game preparation by this coaching staff, and lack of team togetherness, motivation and hunger to win. No pride on their own turf.
Observations on the first half with the Rockets, 10-7!

1-Michigan comes up with only 3 points off two red zones while Toledo gains zero points off one red zone. The Rockets get 7 points off one Wolverine turnover while Michigan comes up with nothing off one Toledo turnover.

2-Steven Threet was 7 of 11 for 55 yards, 2 TDs: One for Michigan on a 27 yarder to Minor and One for Toledo on a 100 yarder to Herbert. Michigan had 10 first downs, 142 net offensive yards, and was 3 of 8 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. We held a one minute time of possession advantage.

3-Sam McGuffie had 18 carries for 57 yards, and Threet got 2 carries for 15 yards. Net rushing was 87 yards on 24 carries with Grady, Shaw and Moundros also contributing.

4-Defense holds Toledo to 136 net yards, 8 first downs and 3 of 9 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Misdirection plays are a great game plan, and continuing to give us problems. Defense had no sacks and only one tackle for loss. Trent leads the defense with 4 tackles. Opelt is 15 of 24 for 121 yards, and Moore has 10 catches for 81 yards to lead Toledo's offense. Archie has 9 tackles for the Rockets.

5-Special teams are doing fine. We held a fake punt by Toledo into a turnover, and the Rockets missed a field goal while we converted our only attempt. James Rogers had a nice 24 yard kickoff return. Mesko has 3 punts with 2 inside the 20. Each team has 3 punts, and we had two 3 and outs compared to Toledo's one 3 & out. We have had great field position the entire first half, but have converted it to only 10 points and a 3 point halftime edge.

6-Michigan may lose for the first time to a MAC team, and it is fitting since our program has regressed under Rodriquez to the level of a mediocre MAC team.