Textbook game

The Michigan-Michigan State game followed Coach Carr's textbook game plan for a victory. Michigan won the coin toss and chose to defer until the second-half. Michigan State received the opening kickoff and the incredible Michigan defense sent them three-and-out. The Wolverines then took the ball on their first offensive possession, drove down a short field and scored to take a 7-0 lead. Michigan took a 17-0 lead into halftime and then received the kickoff to start the second half. Coach Carr has always stressed the importance of scoring on the first offensive possession of the second half and that is what the Wolverines did as they scored a touchdown to go up 24-0. From that point on Coach Carr (and offensive coordinator Mike DeBord) shifted into protect the ball and the lead mode. Michigan played flawlessly as it did not turn the ball over (zero interceptions, zero fumbles) and it ate the clock as it won the battle of time of possession (32:25). It all resulted in a methodical eighteen point victory for the Wolverines. Just like Coach Carr had planned it. Go Blue!

*Note: Photo of Chad Henne (7) and David Cone (12) by Robin Buckson/The Detroit News