During the week leading up the game, numerous Michigan players said getting off to a good start was going to be key for the Wolverines against the Spartans.
Michigan had its best drive of the game on its opening possession — marching 64 yards down the field in six minutes and 54 seconds on 16 plays, although they had to settle for a field goal after reaching the red zone.
Outside of that drive, Michigan had only one other possession last longer than two minutes and 37 seconds — a four-minute drive in the second quarter that resulted in a punt.
The Wolverines scored just one other time — a one-yard touchdown run by fifth-year senior fullback Khalid Hill in the third quarter. That came after Michigan had only 33 yards to go to reach the end zone.
The story of the offense in the team’s 14-10 loss at home to Michigan State was turnovers. Michigan lost the ball five times, twice on fumbles in the first half and three times on interceptions in the second half (on three straight drives).
Fifth-year senior running back Ty Isaac fumbled on U-M's second drive, a play that seemed to change the momentum of the game. The Wolverine offense struggled to be effective for the remainder of the contest. Michigan reached the red zone just twice in the game — the opening drive and the short-field-turned-touchdown following an MSU punt from its own end zone.
The Wolverines were headed deep into Michigan State territory in the final two minutes of the first half, but sophomore tight end Sean McKeon fumbled after catching a pass and the Spartans took over.
Fifth-year senior quarterback John O’Korn got his first start of the season and sputtered. He completed 16 of 35 passes for 198 yards and three interceptions. The heavy rain may have played a factor into the picks, but O’Korn downplayed it after the game, saying it doesn’t excuse the turnovers.
He was able to scramble out of the pocket a handful of times, but ended up with minus-9 rushing yards thanks to being sacked four times.
The right side of Michigan’s offensive line had a difficult time with Michigan State’s defensive front. Redshirt sophomore right tackle Nolan Ulizio was pulled after giving up a sack on third-and-nine from the Michigan State 40 in the first half. O’Korn was initially able to escape, but was quickly stopped behind the line of scrimmage. Redshirt junior offensive lineman Juwann Bushell-Beatty allowed a sack on his first play in the game after replacing Ulizio.
Sophomore offensive guard Mike Onwenu allowed a sack on a critical second down during the Wolverines' final possession of the second quarter. Michigan was driving down the field, but that brought up a third-and-long.
The pouring rain went on for much of the second half and ended up causing puddles to form on the field between the hash marks. High winds were also a factor.
Despite having more success on the ground in the second half — gaining 3.3 yards per carry compared to 2.0 in the first half — Michigan ran the ball 18 times and threw the ball 16 times. O’Korn completed just six of those throws.
After the game, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said people can criticize the play calling and that they were trying to run the ball more. Michigan senior left tackle Mason Cole said he “has no idea” whether one coach calls all the plays or if multiple coaches call plays during the game.
Miscellaneous Notes
· Redshirt junior tight end Ian Bunting caught his first pass of the season. He is the fifth tight end to catch a ball this season for Michigan.
· It was the first time Michigan did not score a touchdown in the first half since the Orange Bowl against Florida State to end last season. That was also the last time Michigan trailed by double figures at halftime; they entered the break Saturday down 14-3.
· Michigan’s five turnovers are the most the team has had since turning the ball over six times at Notre Dame in 2012.
· Hill scored his first touchdown of the season. Last season, Hill had five touchdowns after five games.
· Redshirt freshman kicker Quinn Nordin is now 12 of 14 on field goals this season.
· Junior running back Karan Higdon notched a career-best 33 receiving yards on two catches, including a career-long 18-yarder in the fourth quarter. He also had a season-high 65 rushing yards on 12 carries.
· Isaac received just four carries, and only two came after his fumble in the first half. Sophomore running back Chris Evans and Higdon each had 12 carries.
• The running backs as a whole were utilized effectively in the passing game, totaling four catches for 65 yards, an impressive 16.3 yards per catch. For a comparison, the tight ends combined for five catches, which gained 65 yards (13 yards per catch), while the receivers accounted for seven grabs and 68 receiving yards (9.7-yard average).
· Michigan outgained Michigan State in total yards 300-252 (the Wolverines logged 102 on the ground and 198 through the air).
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