First Quarter Summary
Second Quarter 14-3 Michigan
Even when defenders are getting there, early stops aren’t being made. Finally a bright spot on the defense, Jabbar Muhammad gets a big pass breakup on fourth down to force a field goal that is inches away from the post to extend the lead to 17-3.
Penix finds Odunze for a first down. Now the ball is moving, Penix throws into a tight window for Polk to make an impressive snag. After a false start Michigan brings pressure and Penix barely avoids an interception. Another false start sets up third and 19. McMillan got 12 yards and DeBoer kept the offense out from the Michigan 47. Odunze was wide open, but Penix threw to the wrong side and Odunze slipped while turning, killing what looked like the start of a comeback.
Michigan got the ball with their best field position all night but for the first time the Huskies pushed Michigan back. After the momentum killing fourth down, the Huskies defense stepped up forcing consecutive in-completions and a three and out. But the first play from the Huskies 20 was a sack that pinned them at their own 8. Penix found Johnson on a big third down check, but it wasn’t enough and the teams traded three and outs.
Everyone on the Wolverines is running the ball. Backup quarterback Alex Orji came in and got a carry for 13 yards. Two big tackles keep the Wolverines to third and long but after the tackle Jabbar Muhammad required medical attention. On third and eight Michigan showed no fear handing the ball down the middle and setting up a fourth and three. Michigan gave it to McCarthy, and Edefuan Ulofoshio made the huge play to give the Huskies a chance.
With a short field the Huskies are using Dillon Johnson to get down hill and look for a score. Michigan is taking away big plays and Penix is finding players underneath to move the ball. Westover makes a second big catch on this drive as he is coming to life. Pressure is getting to Penix, but Jalen McMillan drew a PI on third down to save the drive. Despite the injury Dillon Johnson is a dog in the run game getting physical every time he has the ball. From third and goal a designed run to Penix sets it up at the three. With pressure in his face Penix found McMillan in the back of the end zone for a huge strike to cut it to 17-10.
Needing just a stop Michigan cuts the first play across the middle for 19 yards. Michigan used a play for a spike trying to get a field goal off. McCarthey tossed the third down throw out of bounds.
Half-Time: 17-10 Michigan
