Michigan Musings
  • 05:48 PM ET  08.30
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The 2nd half picks up right where the 1st left off. Defense is still making poor tackles. Offense ends up turning the ball over with a mis-cued handoff. And an interception by Ezeh may turn the tide, as UM brings in Stephen Threet at QB! But alas, the Wolverines end up having to punt. A few mistakes by the Utah OL lets the UM defense take control and prevent them from crossing midfield. Somehow Utah salvages the series with some short gains and another FG by Louie Sakoda...this time a 53-yarder. Utah Leads 25-10. Michigan elects to stay with Stephen Threet at QB, known as more of a passer compared to Sheridan. Interesting considering UM only has 7 rushing yards (that's right...7 YARDS rushing) for the game. And we're starting to hear some booos from the106,000-strong crowd at the Big House. As good a game as Brian Johnson is having, he doesn't seem to understand all the rules. He gets called for his 2nd intentional grounding and Utah has to punt, albeit out of a field goal formation from 53 yards out. No running game and no prominent receivers as in the past are becoming a great disadvantage for the Wolverines...as they lose the ball on a very questionable fumble call against Brandon Minor. The 3rd quarter ends with Utah up 25-10. Michigan continues to be eaten up by the Utah defense, completing several short passes. Their only significant gains are due sadly to Utah penalties. Michigan's offense finally clicks at the right moment as Threet connects with Junior Hemingway for a 33-yard TD pass. PAT good! UM is down 25-17 with just under 9 minutes to go in the game. Michigan corrals a fumble recovery...can they capitalize? Yes! after a pass interference call in the end zone, Sam McGuffie rushes for a 5 yard TD. 2-pt conversion no good. Utah is still up 25-23 with 6:26 to go. With 2:43 left in the game the UM defense is finally stepping up with a few sacks and hurries. Brian Johnson finally looks like a mere mortal. RichRod is sticking with Stephen Threet at QB. He looks really uncomfortable, so can he come through in the clutch and emerge as today's hero. The crowd wants to think so as they come alive at the Big House! Late in the game, Threet is looking reminiscent of Chad Henne with some errant throws and cement feet. 4 seconds to go and Michigan on their own 25, Threet throws over the middle for a 5 yard gain...and a loss incidentally. Final: Utah 25 - UM 23 Louie Sakoda (P/K) is hands-down the player-of-the-game. His 4 field goals, including a 53-yarder, lifted Utah over the Wolverines. His 50-yard punting average didn't hurt either.
August 30, 2008  08:13 PM ET

2 years in a row the Maize and Blue bite at home. You can't blame THIS one on Appalachian State!!!
Rich Rod...BWAA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!!!

 
August 31, 2008  02:11 PM ET

They lost, but at least this time they actually met expectations. This was the first game of a "rebuilding" year.

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