


Iowa tried a fake kneel at the end of the 2nd quarter, but Michigan wrangled it down after six yards and took a 13-0 lead into halftime, with a 236 to 91 advantage in yardage. In between, Iowa had a few of their patented rollouts, but otherwise their best offensive play of the first half was their receiver falling down to draw a holding penalty on Rod Moore.

Another long drive, this one with a great McCarthy throw to Andrel Anthony in The Hole, also sputtered out with a field goal. Their third drive was promising, and featured a truly Hart-like pile-carry by Corum, but died on a poorly executed speed option that McCarthy pitched without forcing Campbell to commit to him. Michigan scored on its first drive with a beautiful Ronnie Bell end-around on which TE Luke Schoonmaker reversed course on a cross to lead Bell to the endzone. They weren’t breaking them big, but that’s tough to do when facing the #1 defense with All-Americans like MLB Jack Campbell hunting them down. Corum had 29 carries for 133 yards, with Donovan Edwards chipping in 29 yards on 5 carries. McCarthy just missed his one deep shot-to a very wide open Roman Wilson-but provided the accurate outs and checkdowns that were required to game manage a win against the Game Managers. The offense accepted the opening kickoff and efficiently moved the ball down the field, the line taking care of the first 3-4 yards, and Blake Corum supplying another 3-7 when the next level arrived. After three sleepy quarters it seemed like Michigan was going to walk out of Kinnick with a good ol’ fashioned slow-motion whomping. It did feel weird to be worrying just then. Standing on their 8 yard line, Michigan awaited their fate on a 4th and 2, and for some reason their fans were convinced 14 points hung in the balance. I can’t believe I’m sayin this Iowa wants it more.īut a quick throw to meaty Iowa TE Sam LaPorta was slammed down for no gain.Ī slippery cutback by RB Leshon Williams was stuffed after 1.5 yards. Around the nation, text threads of Wolverine faithful began prognosticating: Cornerback DJ Turner, for our money Michigan’s best defender, lay on the ground surrounded by trainers. Iowa had a 2nd & 4 deep in Michigan territory, with the score 20-7 and plenty of time left for another unrushed possession.
