2009 Week 9

This ugly game proved one thing about a college football game; the only thing that matters is the final score. Michigan's offense was completely inept (especially with Denard Robinson in at quarterback) while the Illini offense was able to gain massive yards through the air. If one were to merely examine the stats, they would assume the Illini won the game due to the vast disparity between the two teams. Here are some of the stats in question:
Total offense: Michigan 246 - Illinois 463
Passing yards: Michigan 120 - Illinois 464!
Redzone: Michigan 5-2-0(40%) - Illinois 5-4-0(80%)
When it was all said and done, however it was apparent that Illinois' QBs wanted to lose the game more than Michigan did. Even though the Illini QBs were more experienced and talented, they made more mistakes, including what is undoubtedly the most bone headed play this reporter has ever seen.

Denard Robinson, making his third start, has probably made his final start of the season. We are all hoping that starter Tate Forcier will be back in 2 weeks for the Wisconsin game, but it will likely be Nick Sheridan that starts next week against Purdue. Robinson was simply not getting the job done in the first half and went 0/5 with 2 INTs. With less than 2 minutes left in the half and Michigan starting on their own 20 yard line, coach Briggs put Sheridan into the game. Briggs said it was because they needed to throw the ball and Robinson's speed wasn't needed in that situation. Sheridan proceeded to throw a TD pass to cap a 3 play 80 yard TD drive. Briggs left Sheridan in for the rest of the game and he ended up going 6/6 for 120 yards and 2 TDs. This makes Sheridan 8/8 with 3 TDs in his limited play in the last 2 games.

Both offenses were horrendous in the 1st half. Before the 80 yard drive led by Sheridan, the score was 21-18 Michigan. Illinois had 1 pick 6 while all of Michigan's points were off of pick 6es including a terrible 0 yard pick 6 thrown by McGee. Michigan's offense play just "not badly" enough to hold on to the victory in the 2nd half. Sr HB Brandon Minor made saw his first playing time since his injury and rushed the ball 15 times for 83 yards and a TD. On the defensive side of the ball, Michigan tallied 3 INTs (all returned for TDs) and 6 sacks. Michigan isn't expected to be challenged next week versus Purdue, but the following week they have an anticipated matchup with the Badgers of Wisconsin.