Yikes. That is all we can say about the offense during the first half against Akron. The Zips defense seemingly befuddled the Wolverines offense for most of the first half. Michigan leads 7-3 at half, in one of the ugliest 2nd quarters in recent memory.
The Zips defense made the Michigan O-line look silly, continuously getting a deep pass rush against Devin Gardner. Fitz Touusaint saw 5 of his first 8 carries go for negative yards. Against Akron.
On Fitz Toussaint's 9th carry of the day, Michigan's o-line opened up a gap, springing the RB for 17 yards, down to the 1 yard line, only to be called back for holding.
Devin Gardner's passing in the pocket was a lone effective and consistent weapon for the Wolverines offense.
Gardner still makes incredibly mind-blowing decisions sometimes (similar to the pick 6 last week). Gardner on one play did a very similar reverse spinning scramble with a no look heave before being tackled. On Michigan's second red zone opportunity, they ran a sprint option to the left, with Gardner taking a hit and fumbling.
With Devin's fumble, Michigan broke a 46 straight red zone scoring streak, the longest in the NCAA.
The defense was serviceable, giving up some gains by the Zips, but keeping them relatively in check. The highlight of the first half was a tipped ball and INT from Blake Countess for a nice return into the red zone....
But, 3 plays later, Gardner had another red zone turnover with an interception on a late pass over the middle.
Akron had a very impressive drive after Gardner's INT, driving the ball inside the 30 yard line. After a Michigan stand on 3rd and short, Akron was penalized 5 yards for delay of game. After the penalty, the Zips attempted a 45 yard field goal which hit the upright with 43 seconds left.
Michigan took over with 43 seconds left....and on the second play, a Gardner pass was tipped and intercepted again. This is perhaps the worst performance by a Michigan team since the first half vs. Wisconsin in 2008. After the INT, Akron got the ball at the Michigan 38 with around 30 seconds left in the half.
Akron missed a 55 yard FG, and Michigan downed the next snap to end the half.
Get ready folks, this one could get ugly in the second half if Michigan doesn't wake up.
Stat leaders
Devin Gardner: 11/19, 166 yards passing, 1 TD, 2 INT
Fitz Toussaint: 8 carries, 17 yards
Devin Funchess: 2 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD
Michigan: 185 yards
Akron: 125 yards
Back to the Michigan Wolverines Newsfeed