Observations on the first half with the Spartans, 3-14

The Spartans convert 3 red zones for 14 points; the Wolverines couldn't get closer than the MSU 31 yard line. Each team had one turnover, and Michigan converted 3 points off the lone Spartan miscue.

Offense sputtered with Gardner fumbling one away to the Spartans, and only hitting 6 of 10 in the air for a measly 37 yards while being sacked 2 times. Offense converted only 2 of 6 on 3rd down, and had zero net yards rushing with 3 first downs. No running game, no offense, no win. The Spartans had a 9 minute time of possession advantage which enabled them to run 19 more offensive plays.

Defense contained the Spartans most of the half until the last drive, and MSU got 14 first downs with 256 total yards, 99 on the ground with 3 of 7 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Jeremy Langford scampered for 77 yards on 16 carries for 2 TDs. Connor Cook completed 11 of 17 for 157 yards. MSU had at least 4 plays of 20+ yards. Jarrod Wilson and Jake Ryan led the Wolverine defense with 8 tackles each, and Wilson forced a fumble recovered by Delano Hill who started for the first time in several games. Chris Wormley recorded a sack.

Special Teams did well with Matt Wile hitting a 48 yard field goal. Will Hagerup punted 3 times for a 48.7 yard average including nailing two inside the 20. The Spartans missed a field goal by Geiger, and had a 29 yard punt by Sadler plus a kickoff go out of bounds.

Second Half will be all Spartans. No confidence in this team.