Observations on the win over Nebraska, 45-17
Michigan converts 5 red zones for 31 points; Nebraska earns 7 points in two red zones. The Wolverines score 14 points off 3 Cornhusker turnovers while Nebraska only scores 3 points off one Michigan turnover.
Offense had 418 net yards, 238 on the ground, 24 first downs, and was 9 of 19 on 3rd and 4th down conversions for almost a 23 minute time of possession advantage. We had two 3 and outs plus the miserable last drive to end the half. Denard Robinson was 11 of 18 for 180 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception and ran 23 times for 83 yards and another 2 TDs. Fitzgerald Touissaint had 138 yards on 29 carries for 2 TDs. Stephon Hopkins did a nice job at fullback, and had a TD called back on a facemask call against Jeremy Jackson. Martavious Odoms started today over Hemingway, and caught 2 passes for 47 yards including a 38 yard TD. Jeremy Gallon caught 3 passes for 34 yards and a TD. Roy Roundtree caught a 46 yarder to set up our first score. Lavonte David had 17 tackles for Nebraska, 3 for loss.
Defense was solid except for the 54 yard TD play to Brandon Kinnie. We bottled up Martinez and Burkhead. Nebraska managed only 260 yards, 138 on the ground and was 3 for 15 on 3rd and 4th down conversions with only 11 first downs. Kovacs had 7 tackles, 1 for loss. Kenny Demens, Desmond Morgan and Mike Martin had 5 tackles each. Jake Ryan had 3 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. Ryan VanBergen has 2 tackles for loss, a tipped pass and a fumble recovery. Will Campbell even got sack. We held Martinez to 49 yards and Burkhead to 36 with 3 sacks and only one rushing TD. Great job for Greg Mattison and our defense.
Special Teams were solid and really gave us a big advantage in the second half! Kickoff team forced two second half fumbles forced by Terrence Robinson and Floyd Simmons and recovered by Courtney Avery and J.B. Fitzgerald. Josh Furman blocked a punt. Gibbons hit a 42 yard field goal, but missed a 33 yarder. Wile had 8 kickoffs, 1 touchback and kickoff coverage was excellent; the Huskers only averaged 22.7 yards on 7 returns. Gallon had 4 punt returns for 27 yards, and Martavious Odoms had 3 returns for 70 yards. Drew Dileo came up with a fake field goal and converted the run to give us a first down, and it led to a TD. Delonte Hollowell came up with 3 tackles.
Bring on the Buckeyes!!! Go Blue!!!
Observations on the first half with Nebraska
Brady Hoke Press Conference on November 16
Greg Mattison Press Conference on November 15
Al Borges Press Conference on November 15
Brady Hoke Press Conference on November 14
Ryan VanBergen Press Conference on November 14
Game Notes for Nebraska (Nebraska Game Notes for Michigan)