Here's a look at where Michigan ranks in several of the nation's most important statistical categories after eight weeks of action. The Wolverines' national rank is listed first below.
Note: there are 130 teams in the FBS.
Offensive statistics
Points per game: 90th (25.1)
Rush yards per game: 56th (173.2)
Pass yards per game: 98th (187.7)
Yards per game: 98th (361)
First downs per game: 108th (18)
Third down conversion percentage: 111th (32.4%)
Red zone touchdown percentage: 125th (40%)
Sacks allowed per game: 119th (3.2)
Tackles for loss allowed per game: 115th (7.2)
Defensive statistics
Points allowed per game: 22nd (18.6)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 11th (105.5)
Passing yards allowed per game: 5th (158.6)
Yards allowed per game: 5th (264.1)
First downs allowed per game: 5th (14)
Sacks per game: 13th (3.1)
Tackles for loss per game: 15th (7.7)
Opponent first downs per game: 5th (14)
Opponent third down conversion percentage: 1st (23.1%)
Special teams
Average yards per punt return: 57th (8.1)
Average yards per kick return: 91st (19.8)
Average yards per punt: 100th (39.2)
Field goal percentage: 13th (87.5)
Miscellaneous
Penalties per game: 120th (8.1)
Turnover margin: 91st (-3)
Observations:
— After its offense allowed seven sacks on Saturday night to Penn State, Michigan fell from 102nd nationally in sacks allowed to 119th. The Wolverines finished 39th last season (1.6).
— Michigan's defense had been holding opponents to just 14.7 points per game (8th nationally), but fell to 22nd (18.6) after allowing 42 to Penn State. The 42 points were the most allowed by a U-M defense since also surrendering 42 to Ohio State in 2015.
— Michigan's defense led the nation in yards per game (223.8) prior to Saturday, but dropped to 5th after it (264.1). That stat is incredibly similar to last year's Wolverine defense, which surrendered 261.8 yards per game.
— One bright spot for the Wolverines on Saturday night was freshman cornerback Ambry Thomas. He averaged 29 yards on three kick returns, boosting Michigan's kick return average from 105th (18.5) to 91st (19.8).
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