Observations on the first half with Northwestern, 28-0

A pretty flawless first half for the Wolverines as they open the game with Jehu Chesson racing for a TD on the opening kickoff; then, Michigan rolls to two red zone TDs in two trips. Towards the end of the half, Jourdan Lewis races down the sideline 37 yards after the first turnover of the game for their final TD.

Offense had 9 first downs, 213 net yards with 93 on the ground, and held a two minute time of possession advantage. Jake Rudock was 10 of 15 for 119 yards, and ran 3 times for 14 yards and a TD; he was 3 of 6 on 3rd down conversions. DeVeon Smith had 5 carries for 33 yards plus caught 3 passes for 19 yards. Drake Johnson only carried twice, but one was for a TD. Joe Kerridge got two carries for 35 yards. Karan Hidgon saw his fiirst action with 3 carries for 8 yards, but one can see why Harbaugh took him off redshirt; he gives the team great speed and quickness. A.J. Williams, Jake Butt, and Jehu Chesson all had two catches each.

Defense was rock solid! The Wildcats had 96 net yards and only 5 first downs, as the Michigan defense forced them into 3 "three and outs." Clayton Thorson was 9 of 16 for 71 yards, and ran 3 times for -4. Justin Jackson carries 8 times for 11 yards. Desmond Morgan and Royce Jenkins-Stone led the Wolverine defense with 4 tackles each. Willie Henry has 2 sacks.

Special Teams were also solid! Chesson rolled to a 96 yard TD. Kenny Allen and the kickoff coverage team continue to be great. Jabrill Peppers looks like a veteran fair catching the punts. Blake O'Neill punted 3 times for 2 touchbacks and one downed at the 8. The Wildcats missed a field goal the only time they crossed midfield.

2nd Half will be all Wolverines!!! Bring on the Spartans! Go Blue!