Observations on the loss to Ohio State, 9-27
Ohio State converted 3 red zones for 13 points; Michigan converted one red zone for 3 points. The Wolverines scored 3 points off one Buckeye turnover.
Offense was poor! Offense could only gain 163 net yards with 100 on the ground (-8 in the second half). Jordan Marshall ran 7 times for 61 yards; he left the game after reinjuring his shoulder, and returned for 3 more carries, but certainly wasn't at full speed. Bryson Kuzdzal ran 11 times for 38 yards, and caught 2 passes for 5 yards. Bryce Underwood hit 8 of 18 for 63 yards including an interception, and ran 6 times for 1 yard. Donoven McCulley caught 3 passes for 46 yards. Andrew Marsh caught no passes. The Buckeye defense was well-prepared by Matt Patricia, and they executed a solid game plan keeping the Wolverine offense out of the end zone. Offense could only muster 1 of 10 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 9 first downs. Sonny Styles led the Buckeyes with 6 tackles.
Defense was ransacked by the Buckeye offense! The Buckeyes rolled for 419 net yards with 186 on the ground; they were 13 of 19 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 23 first downs. Time of possession was won by the Buckeyes by 20 minutes that resulted in 31 more offensive plays; in the second half, Michigan only possessed the ball for 6:20 of the 30 minutes. Julian Sayin hit 19 of 26 for 233 yards and 3 TDs with one interception by Jyaire Hill. We had no pressure or pass rush on Sayin. Bo Jackson ran 22 times for 117 yards and caught 4 passes for 49 yards. Carnell Tate caught 5 passes for 82 yards and a TD. Jeremiah Smith caught 3 passes for 40 yards including a 35 yard TD that should have been ruled a touchback. Will Kacmarek caught 2 passes for 30 yards. Brandon Inniss caught 2 passes for 12 yards and a TD. Max Klare caught 3 passes for 20 yards. Jimmy Rolder led the defense with 12 tackles. We lost Mason Curtis with injury early in the game. Our vaulted defense ends, Jaishawn Barham and Captain Derrick Moore ended the game with one tackle each. Enow Etta had the only quarterback hit of the day on Sayin. The Buckeye offensive line completely dominated our defensive front, and that was their key to the win. Our defensive backfield had one pass break up and one interception in Sayin's 20 throws.
Kudos to Dominic Zvada for hitting all 3 field goal attempts. Hollenbeck punted 4 times for a 36.2 yard average including an 11 yarder. The only touch Andrew Marsh had was a 9 yard kickoff return. We could only force the Buckeyes into 2 punts and one turnover in all their possessions.
The Buckeyes showed a lot of poise and composure while executing an excellent game plan. Give them credit! I'd love to see Indiana beat them next week! Go Blue!
