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Michigan Football Live Blog: Michigan 36, Cincinnati 14

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Postgame Thoughts

Michigan defeated Cincinnati, 36-14, but it wasn't pretty. The offense could never get in a rhythm all day, and struggled to put any drives together.

Redshirt junior quarterback Wilton Speight made several poor throws, and although he finished 17-29 through the air, he struggled to hit his receivers downfield.

Fifth-year senior running back Ty Isaac was undoubtedly the bright spot on the afternoon, rushing for 133 yards on 20 carries. He seems to have separated himself from the other running backs, and appears to be the workhorse of the group.

The defense was solid as usual, returning two picks for touchdowns — one from junior safety Tyree Kinnel and one from sophomore cornerback Lavert Hill.

The fact that Michigan played that poorly and still won by 22 points is still pretty impressively.

However, the offensive struggles — especially from Speight — is a concern going forward.

Postgame Box Score

Final Score: Michigan 36, Cincinnati 14.

4th quarter

3:32 — Sophomore cornerback Lavert Hill with a 24-yard interception return for a touchdown to extend Michigan's lead to 36-14.

3:24 — A botched Cincinnati punt goes through the back of the end zone, resulting in a Michigan safety. The Wolverines now lead 29-14 with 6:53 left in the third quarter.

3:18 — 24-yard field goal by redshirt freshman Quinn Nordin stretches the Michigan lead to 27-14.

3:10 — Ty Isaac with a 53-yard run to give him 134 yards on the day.

3:00 — Sophomore defensive end Rashan Gary called for targeting, but the play is reviewed and overturned.

3rd quarter

2:53 — At the end of the third quarter, Michigan leads Cincinnati, 24-14.

2:43 — Junior Grant Perry hauls in a 33-yard touchdown from Wilton Speight to put the Wolverines up 24-14. The touchdown capped off an 80-yard drive.

2:40 — Redshirt sophomore tight end Zach Gentry hauls in a 36-yard catch for the longest play of his career. Michigan down to Cincinnati's 45-yard line.

2:30 — Junior Grant Perry replaces freshman Donovan Peoples-Jones on punt returns.

2:15 — 10-yard TD pass by Cincinnati makes the score 17-14, Michigan. The Wolverines defense did not look good on the opening drive of the second half, as the Bearcats marched right down the field on them.

Halftime thoughts

Michigan played an incredibly sloppy first half, but still leads 17-7. The Wolverines had two turnovers, one of which led to Cincinnati's only touchdown.

Quarterback Wilton Speight has not been able to get in any sort of rhythm, missing several open receivers. Michigan's offense, as a whole, has not looked good, only mustering 199 yards.

Fifth-year senior Ty Isaac has gotten the bulk of the carries at running back, with 10 attempts for 49 yards. With that being said, Michigan's ground game has only compiled 87 yards.

The Wolverines' defense will likely continue to keep the Cincinnati offense in check, but their own offense needs to look much sharper in the second half.

2nd quarter

1:48 — Cincinnati misses a 51-yard field goal to end the half. Michigan leads 17-7.

1:30 — Redshirt sophomore tight end Zach Gentry just caught his first career pass on a 5-yard completion.

1:21 — Michigan leads 17-7 with 7:02 left in the second quarter, but has looked very sloppy on offense. The Wolverines have two turnovers, including one that set up Cincinnati's lone touchdown.

12:56 — Devin Bush returns to the game after getting the wind knocked out of him on the previous defensive series.

12:54 — 28-yard field goal by redshirt freshman kicker Quinn Nordin makes the score 17-7.

1st quarter

End of first quarter stats.
End of first quarter stats.

12:51 — 1st quarter ends with Michigan leading 14-7.

12:42 — Cincinnati scores on a 1-yard touchdown run to cut Michigan's lead to 14-7.

12:40 — Sophomore linebacker Devin Bush leaves the game with what appears to be a hand injury.

12:37 — Brandon Watson and sophomore David Long rotating at cornerback. Both look healthy after getting injured during last week's game.

12:27 — 28-yard interception return by junior safety Tyree Kinnel to go up 14-0. The interception was the first of Kinnel's career.

12:15 — Freshman receiver Oliver Martin and redshirt freshman running back Kareem Walker did not dress today.

12:11 — Redshirt junior quarterback Wilton Speight with a perfect 43-yard bomb to sophomore receiver Kekoa Crawford for his second career touchdown.

12:05 — Kekoa Crawford and Brad Hawkins back deep to receive the kickoff.

Pregame

12:00 — Here's a list of recruits who were in attendance for Michigan's home opener against Cincinnati.

11:58 — Freshman defensive end Luiji Vilain was spotted sitting in the bleachers in street clothes — likely dealing with an injury.

11:57 — Redshirt junior cornerback Brandon Watson on the field and warming up.

11:24 — Freshman offensive center Cesar Ruiz spotted wearing No. 96 — he is usually No. 51.

11:20 — Freshman receiver Nico Collins is dressed and warming up; he did not make the trip to Arlington last week.

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