Observations on the first half with the Spartans, 10-17!

Michigan earns 3 red zones, but can only convert one into a TD and 10 points overall, and the Spartans had no red zones; however, they hit two big plays of 61 and 41 yard runs to lead at halftime 17-10.

Denard Robinson was 11 of 15 for 141 yards with 1 interception in the red zone and 1 sack. He rushed 12 times for 48 yards. Vincent Smith ran 6 times for 32 yards, and Michael Shaw ran 4 times for 29 yards. Roy Roundtree had 6 catches for 48 yards, and Martell Webb got his first catch for a 12 yards TD. Offense gains 13 first downs, 263 yards of total offense, and was 2 of 7 in 3rd down conversions; however, the overthrows to wide open receivers and the interception really cost us.

Defense started well in the first quarter, but the Spartans totally dominated the 2nd quarter. J.T. Floyd leads the defense with 6 tackles. Kirk Cousins was 11 of 15 for 127 yards. Edwin Baker has 90 yards on 8 carries including a 61 yard TD. Le'Veon Bell has 2 carries for 44 yards including a 41 yard TD. The Spartans have 237 yards of total offense, 11 first downs and are 1 of 5 on 3rd down conversions. Keyshawn Martin has 4 catches for 51 yards, and B.J. Cunningham has 4 catches for 40 yards.

Seth Broekhuizen hit hit first field goal of 34 yards, but had a second blocked just before half. Will Hagerup got off a nice 62 yard punt over Keyshawn Martin's head on his first attempt. Our special teams continue to look bad, but at least the Spartans haven't gained a big advantage. They hit a field goal, and we hit one and missed one. Each team has punted twice.

Second Half should be wild! It is a game of momentum, and it should be a nailbiter. Our offense certainly must execute better if we are to come from behind, and a few turnovers would help the cause. Robinson needs to take over the game offensively, and stop making mental mistakes. Obviously, we can't give up the big play runs. Hopefully, our linebackers will learn to fill and Cam Gordon will learn to tackle.