Observations on the loss to Iowa, 21-24

Michigan comes up with nothing in the second half, and Iowa rallies with two touchdowns and a field goal to pull out a 24-21 win over the hapless Wolverines. The Hawkeyes four red zones resulted in 17 points, and that erased our big first half advantage with two red zones for 14 points including 14 points off 3 Hawkeye turnovers. The offense couldn't earn one second half red zone opportunity.

Offense was forced into 7 "three and outs, a turnover, and gained only 10 first downs, 2 in the second half; the grand total of net offense was 158, 60 on the ground. Iowa forced us into 10 punts, and a turnover; the Hawkeyes held us to 4 of 14 in 3rd down conversions. Devin Gardner was 13 of 28 for 98 yards and a 2 TDs, and ran 10 times for 12 yards and a 4th quarter turnover. Jeremy Gallon grabs 6 for 47 yards and a TD, and A.J. Williams caught his first Wolverine pass for a 2 yard TD. Time of possession was also a huge factor in the second half with the Wolverines were only allowed 23 second half plays; they Hawkeyes were able to take advantage of the extra 7 minutes to run 17 more plays than we did.

Defense started well with a score, but finished poorly; they allowed Iowa 407 net yards, 169 on the ground, 21 first downs, and were 5 of 18 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Jake Rudock was 19 of 30 for 239 yards, 2 TDs and 3 interceptions, and ran 6 times for 22 yards. Defense had no pressure on Rudock, and gained only one sack by Chris Wormley. Mark Weisman ran 17 times for 88 yards; Mark Canzeri ran 12 times for 50 yards, and caught 2 passes for 27 yards. Iowa deserved to win; they were tougher and were determined no matter whether they had the wind or not that they'd run the ball "down our throat," and they did. Tevaun Smith caught 5 passes for 97 yards and a TD. Ramon Taylor had 9 tackles and an interception.

Matt Wile averaged only 35.4 yards on 10 punts with 3 inside the 20. Jeremy Gallon had an 8 yard punt return; Dennis Norfleet ran back 3 including a 39 yarder. Special teams didn't factor into this loss.

Iowa completely dominated the second half because they were tougher and more determined, but most of all they were better coached. This game shows more than any other, but there are several other games to point to as well; the Wolverine coaching staff has failed miserably in adjusting to other teams game plans and adjustments throughout the game. They have had three seasons to prepare our players, and they aren't getting the job done in this 7-5 season and a 7th or 8th place Big Ten finish out of 12 teams (Ohio State, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa, Penn State, and Minnesota). There is no "silver lining" in this loss other than a possible Gator Bowl berth with a sure loss to an SEC team for a 7-6 finish.

Box Score Player Participation Highlights Post Game Press Conference

Observations on the first half with Iowa, 21-7

Brady Hoke Press Conference on November 22

Brady Hoke Press Conference on November 20 Devin Gardner Derrick Green

Greg Mattison Press Conference on November 19 Al Borges

Brady Hoke Press Conference on November 18