On a record setting day for Senior RB
Mike Hart,
Michigan defeated cross-town
Eastern Michigan 33-22. With a 14-yard run on
Michigan’s second possession of the game, Hart surpassed Anthony Thomas (1997-2000) to take over the career rushing yards record. Hart finished the day with 22 carries for 215 yards in less than three quarters of play as the Wolverines pulled away in the third quarter, leading 33-14 when Hart left the game. Eastern would score a touchdown late in the fourth quarter and recover their second onside kick of the game to close the final margin to 33-22.
Michigan Offense vs Eastern Michigan Defense:
As has been the story all year, Mike Hart led the way offensively, accounting for roughly half of Michigan’s total offense and three of the four touchdowns. Hart scored once in the second quarter on a four-yard run and then added two more touchdowns on 24 and 17-yard runs. Hart also added to his own record by rushing for over 200 yards for the fifth time of his career. With his sixth straight 100 yard rushing effort, Hart is now tied with Jamie Morris for consecutive 100 yard games. Hart is the first Wolverine running back to start the season with six straight 100 yard games.
Chad Henne struggled a bit in his first full game back from injury, throwing two interceptions, one of which in the end-zone. Adrian Arrington stepped up in the absence of Mario Manningham and hauled in a career high 102 yards on six receptions. Arrington started off the scoring with a 31-yard TD reception in the first quarter. Michigan ended up with 459 yards of total offense, but much of that was in the first three quarters when the outcome was still in doubt.
Edge: Michigan
Eastern Michigan Offense vs Michigan Defense:
EMU struggled offensively for much of the game before the Michigan reserves came into the game in the fourth quarter. EMU was able to move the ball at times, but for the most part, the bend but don’t break Michigan defense was able to keep them out of the end-zone. EMU ran for 135 yards, but half of that came from the quarterback position, something that the Michigan defense continues to struggle with. Eastern ran a spread offense similar to that of Northwestern. Andy Schmitt completed passes to eight different receivers during the game.
The Michigan defense started right where they left off against Northwestern with a Jamar Adams interception. On the day, the Wolverines intercepted two passes and recovered a fumble. The defense did a better job of not allowing the big play which has been their biggest problem this year.
Edge: Michigan
Special Teams
Well, for the first time this year, Michigan was perfect on field goals. K.C. Lopata took over the place-kicking duties from Jason Gingell and made both his attempts from 31 and 36 yards. Lopata did have an extra point blocked, but that was probably due to poor protection. The Wolverines struggled with their kickoff coverage again, allowing an 86 yard return by Dontayo Gage. Zoltan Mesko only averaged 32.8 yards per punt, but two of his three punts were downed inside the 20.
Eastern Michigan recovered two onside kicks and returned a blocked extra point attempt for a two-point conversion. The first onside kick was to start the second half and was recovered by the kicker, Zach Johnson. EMU would then recover another onside kick late in the fourth quarter, but were unable to score again to make it a one possession game.
Edge: Eastern Michigan
Player of the Game: Mike Hart: 22 carries, 215 yards, 3 TD
Notable Stats:
Mike Hart: 22 carries, 215 yards, 3 TD
Adrian Arrington: 6 catches, 102 yards, TD
K.C. Lopata: 2-2 FGs
Obi Ezeh: 9 tackles, forced fumble
Brandent Englemon: 6 tackles, forced fumble, INT
Tim Jamison: 2 sacks
Darren Matthews (EMU): 11 tackles
Press Conference Notes:
- K.C. Lopata seems to have won the place-kicker job, at least for the time being.
- In addressing the injury status of the many wounded Wolverines, Lloyd Carr said that the following players would practice, but were questionable for the Purdue game:
This week's game vs Purdue will be televised on the Big 10 Network. You can listen to our live broadcast here.
EMU struggled offensively for much of the game before the 
2 comments:
I don't know about Lapota- he is more accurate, but I worry about the low, line-drive style of his kicks- that is what got the extra point blocked. Then again, I guess he is still better than Gingell...
It looked to me that Lapota needed to speed up the approach to the ball, but he made them which is a step up obviously!
Post a Comment