Observations on the win over Central Florida, 51-14

Michigan converted 8 red zones for 37 points while Central Florida had no red zones; the Wolverines gained 6 points off two Central Florida turnovers.

Offense gained 23 first downs, 447 net yards, but only 119 on the ground.  Michigan was 11 of 22 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with no turnovers. Wilton Speight was 25 of 37 for 312 yards and 4 TDs to 9 different receivers. Jake Butt caught 7 passes for 86 yards and 2 TDs. Amara Darboh caught 5 passes for 111 yards and 2 TDs. Jehu Chesson caught 4 passes for 84 yards and a TD. DeVeon Smith had 10 carries for 38 yards. Chris Evans had 9 carries for 35 yards. Khalid Hill had 5 carries for 9 yards and 2 TDs.

Defense held the Knights to 15 first downs and 331 yards of total offense, 4 of 19 in 3rd and 4th down conversions, but a whopping 275 yards on the ground. The Knights scored on a 79 yard TD by Adrian Killins after contain was lost by Mike McCray and Dymonte Thomas, and a 34 yard run right up the middle by Dontravious Jackson. Justin Holman was only 3 of 11 for 19 yards, but scampered for 46 yards on 7 carries. Jabrill Peppers led the defense with 8 tackles, Mike McCray, Chris Wormley and Rashan Gary had 6 stops each; Chase Winovich, Matt Godin anr Ryan Glasgow had 5 tackles each. Michigan held a 9 minute time of possession advantage which led to 14 more offensive plays.

Special Teams came up big with 2 punt blocks by Tyree Kinnel, and 2 field goal blocks by Chris Wormley. Kenny Allen hit three field goals, and punted 3 times for a 45.7 yard average including a coffin corner. Allen also shined on his kickoffs with several touchbacks, and hit 5 of 5 extra points. James Foug kicked off 3 times in the second half, and Ryan Tice hit an extra point. Jabrill Peppers had 2 punt returns for 46 yards.

As expected, Taco Charlton and Noah Furbush were out for the game, but David Long didn't dress. Matt Godin started at DE along with Chris Wormley and Chase Winovich. Jourdan Lewis was out for his second straight game, and Devin Asiasi is repping at Defensive End. Drake Johnson is out for his second game. It was disappointing that Coach Harbaugh didn't play more 2nd and 3rd string players in the 4th quarter.

Bring on Colorado! Go Blue!

Observations on the first half with Central Florida Box Score Player Participation Highlights Post Game Press Interview Players: Speight, Wormley and Gary Darboh

Jim Harbaugh Press Conference on September 5