Observations on the first half with Ohio State, 21-21

Michigan converts 3 red zones for 21 points while the Buckeyes convert 3 big plays to match the Wolverines. Michigan gains one turnover, but comes up empty without points. What a difference "home cooking" makes!

Offense nets 303 yards, 12 first downs, and were 2 of 4 in 3rd down conversions. Devin Gardner was 11 of 14 for 238 yards and a TD plus he ran 3 times for 8 yards and another TD. Derrick Green ran 6 times for 35 yards, and Fitz Toussaint ran twice for 12 yards and a TD. Jeremy Gallon caught 5 passes for 137 yards and a TD. Jake Butt caught 2 passes for 64 yards, and Devin Funchess caught 2 passes for 25 yards. Ryan Shazier leads the Buckeye defense with 5 tackles including a sack.

Defense allows the Buckeyes 307 yards in net offense, 13 first downs, Braxton Miller was 5 of 12 for 111 yards, a TD and an interception plus ran 11 times for 82 yards and 2 TDs. Carlos Hyde bruised the Wolverines for 115 yards in 15 carries. Devin Smith caught a 53 yarder for a TD. Jeff Heuermann set up the final TD with a 37 yard reception. Ben Gedeon leads the defense with 5 tackles including a sack. Joe Bolden has 4 tackles including a sack, and Blake Countess gained an interception. The Buckeyes maintained a 5 minute time of possession advantage which gave them 10 additional offensive plays, and were 3 of 7 in 3rd down conversions; we forced them into 2 punts.

Special Teams created a lot of excitement after Royce Jenkins-Stone was slugged by Freshman Dontre Wilson; both were ejected along with starting Right Guard, Marcus Hall, who came off the bench to throw punches, and then gave a double "finger" to Michigan fans. He showed the class that we've continued to see from the Buckeyes throughout the history of the series. Matt Wile was forced into double duty for Michigan as Brendan Gibbons couldn't play; he has responded with 4 kickoffs, 3 extra points, and 2 punts for a 48.5 yard average including one downed at the 9 yard line. Dennis Norfleet has 3 returns for 70 yards, but one was called back on a hold by DeVeon Smith.

Second half will go to the team who adjusts the best, coaching adjustments will be the key. Got to reverse the time of possession advantage, and not give up big plays if we hope to upset Ohio. Hopefully we can gain a few turnovers as well! Go Blue!