Observations on the loss to Ohio State, 7-37!
Ohio State converted six red zones into 16 points while we earned three red zones and only earned 7 points. Ohio State gets 10 points off 3 Michigan turnovers, and Michigan got turnover to end the half with no chance to use it offensively.
Offense nets 351 yards, 19 first downs and was 6 of 19 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. We couldn't get it going in the second half with Robinson's hand injury, and had three 3 and outs to end with 4 for the game. Denard Robinson rushed 18 times for 105 yards, Michael Shaw has 52 yards on 8 carries for a TD and Vincent Smith had 8 carries for 17 yards. Both Robinson and Smith turned the ball over on fumbles, and Robinson's was in the red zone. Darryl Stonum had 7 catches for 81 yards, Roy Roundtree has 5 catches for 43 yards. We had at least 5 drops. Robinson was 8 of 18 for 87 yards, and Forcier came in and was 8 for 15 for 82 yards. Jermale Hines led the Buckeye defense with 8 tackles and 3 pass break ups. Ross Homan had 8 tackles including a forced fumble. Brian Rolle and Chimdi Checkwa also had 8 tackles each for the Buckeyes. Orhian Johnson forced the other fumble.
Jordan Kovacs had 17 tackles, one for loss and an interception to lead the defense. Jonas Mouton had 9 tackles and forced a fumble that the Buckeyes recovered. Kenny Demens had 8 tackles, Mike Martin had 6 tackles, Cameron Gordon had 5 tackles, 2 for loss, Ryan VanBergen had 5 tackles, 3 for loss including a red zone sack. Terrell Pryor had 12 rushes for 49 yards, and was 18 of 27 for 220 yards and 2 TDs. Dane Sanzenbacher had 3 catches for 71 yards and a TD. Devier Posey had 5 catches for 82 yards and a TD. Jake Stoneburner had 3 catches for 33 yards. Jordan Kovacs led the defense with 8 tackles and an interception. Dan Herron had a big second half, and finished with 175 net yards on 22 carries for a TD. The Buckeyes had 478 yards in total offense, 19 first downs and are 10 of 18 in 3rd down efficiency.
Special Teams certainly contributed to this loss in a big way. Will Hagerup doesn't make the trip for violation of team rules. Seth Broekhuisen punted 3 times, an 18 yarder and a 26 yarder with one good punt downed at the 2. We kicked off twice in the game, and in the second and final kickoff Jordan Hall takes back an 85 yard kickoff return after we drove the field to make the game 10-7.
Michigan finishes 7-5 with a probably Insight Bowl bid on December 28 against either Texas Tech or Baylor. It will be interesting to see how the evaluation process goes with David Brandon especially if we finish 7-6. Most likely, he gets a 4th year with no extension and if he loses to both Michigan State and Ohio State in 2011, Rodriquez' fate will be sealed.
Observations on the first half with Ohio State
Rodriquez Amps Up Intensity for Ohio State
QUESTIONABLE (50% PLAY)
Hemingway, Junior Head
PROBABLE (75% PLAY)
Gallon, Jeremy Shoulder
Martin, Mike Ankle
Roh, Craig Head
Smith, Vince Head
Stonum, Darryl Ankle
Will Hagerup will not play due to a violation of team rules
Depth Chart for Ohio State (Game Notes and Ohio State Game Notes for Michigan)
Press Conference for Ohio State: Coach Roda Coach Rodb, Stephen Schilling, Craig Roh, Denard Robinson, Kevin Koger, Jordan Kovacs, Ryan VanBergen and Mike Martin