Report Card: Grading Michigan in a 20-15 loss at Indiana
The Michigan defense played well enough to win at Indiana Saturday, but the offense once again failed to do its part. The Wolverines fell 20-15 to drop to 5-5 in Sherrone Moore’s first year. We grade them in all facets here:
RELATED: IU 20, Michigan 15: Notes, quotes, and observations – defense deserved better
Michigan rushing offense: F
The Wolverines didn’t have a rush more than 8 yards and averaged 2 yards per carry. The running backs were held in check, the coaches turned to Alex Orji in obvious run situations again, and they went to the quarterback when U-M was moving the ball, only to have him fumble near midfield. Blocking up front wasn’t good enough (again).
Passing offense: D-
The only reason this isn’t a failing grade is because there were no picks. Davis Warren completed only 50 percent of his passes (16-of-32 for 137 yards), averaged 4.28 yards per passing attempt, and was often pressured. When he wasn’t, he was missing receivers high. Michigan had only 2 completions over 15 yards, and Warren was pressured on 61.8 percent of his dropbacks.
Michigan rushing defense: A
A tale of two halves, but the Wolverines were dominant in the second stanza. IU running back Ty Lawton averaged 4.6 yards per carry and had 55 yards overall, but the Hoosiers averaged 1.4 yards per carry, 3 adjusting for sack yardage. The defensive line played well.
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Passing defense: B
There were some big plays, including another double move on Michigan corner Jyaire Hill for a 36-yard touchdown, but they adjusted well in the second half in allowing only 16 passing yards. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke completed 17 of 28 passes for 206 yards with 2 scores, but Michigan defensive back Zeke Berry’s pick changed the game. Not a bad showing minus Will Johnson (again).
Michigan special teams: A-
Punter Tommy Doman kicked well until the last kick — a short 35-yard punt and 22-yard return hurt. Frosh Jordan Marshall looked good on kick return with 4 for 100, and kicker Dominic Zvada was money again, including a 56-yarder. He’s had an incredible year.
