Observations on the win over Iowa, 42-17
Michigan's offense converts 28 points off four red zones; Iowa gained 17 points off four red zone opportunities. Iowa didn't score on the Wolverines lone turnover.
Offense rolled to 513 yards, 199 on the ground, 23 first downs, and were 11 of 14 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Devin Gardner was 18 of 23 for 314 yards, 3 TDs, 1 interception and another 3 TDs in 7 carries for 37 yards. Denard Robinson gets a start at tailback, and gained 98 yards in 13 carries plus he had 2 catches for 24 yards. Roy Roundtree had 5 catches for 83 yards and a TD, and Jeremy Gallon also had 5 receptions for 133 yards. Thomas Rawls carried 8 times for 22 yards. Fitzgerald Touissaint gained 31 yards in three carries, but it looks like he may have broken his ankle. Vincent Smith carried 3 times for 9 yards, and got an 18 yard TD catch just before the half. Devin Funchess caught a 29 yard TD pass. Joe Reynolds had 3 catches for 22 yards.
Defense forced Iowa into four three and outs, but allowed 309 yards, 128 on the ground, 17 first downs in 60 plays. C.J. Fiedorowitz had 8 catches for 99 yards. Jim Vandenburg was 19 of 26 for 181 yards and 2 TDs. The Hawkeyes were 7 of 17 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. James Ross led the defense with 12 tackles. Joe Bolden and Jake Ryan had 6 each. We had 2 sacks and 8 tackles for loss, but it wasn't the defense's best day. Desmond Morgan didn't play today; hopefully, he isn't injured badly. Jarrod Wilson and Josh Furman came in at safety over Marvin Robinson when reserves played.
Matt Wile had 2 touchbacks in 7 kickoffs. Kickoff coverage was adequate, but not great. Will Hagerup had one punt for 43 yards. Brendan Gibbons hit 6 extra points. Dennis Norfleet had 2 returns for 33 yards. We gave away the ball on an onside kickoff, and that is indicative of poor special teams play.
On to Columbus to finish 9-3 or 8-4. Offense is playing well. Defense and Special Teams will really have to have a good game for us to have a chance. Go Blue!
Box Score Player Participation Brady Hoke Post Game Press Conference Highlights Denard Robinson Devin Gardner & Roy Roundtree Jordan Kovacs & Kenny Demens
Observations on the first half with Iowa
Brady Hoke Press Conference on November 16
Brady Hoke Press Conference on November 14
Greg Mattison Press Conference on November 13 Al Borgess
Brady Hoke Press Conference on November 12 Will Campbell, Patrick Omameh and Craig Roh