Punted to Submission

Never in my life would I predict that I'd lead off my blog highlighting the statistic of a punter. I feel slimy just writing that. But what we witnessed in Saturday's game between Michigan and Wisconsin was monumental, well, at least from a punters perspective.

Punter, Ken DeBauche from Wisconsin is probably treating a rash as we speak due to excessive upper right thigh rubbing to the, well, you know what region. DeBauche punted the ball an astounding 11 times for 514 yards on Saturday afternoon, which ranks 10th best in conference history.

I didn't see many analysts predict that stat.

So from there, we can kind of guess how this game was won. Can you say defense, again? This front four is getting more and more special after each week. Here's a good example, Wisconsin had 15 possessions and scored on three of them - 1 TD and 2 FG's. In Wisconsin's 12 other possessions they accumulated a whopping 46 yards!! Wow, that's nearly 4 yards per drive, not play, per drive.

Wisconsin racked up 104 of its 248 total yards in the last 5:21 of the game. It also gained 60 yards on its first drive that took 2:44 off the clock. Which means, in the other 51:55 of the game, Wisconsin moved the ball for 88 yards.

Did I say this defense was good?

Keys to the defensive performance:

1. 4 sacks (17 on the season)
2. 11 of 70 plays of no gain or negative yards (44 of 248 for the season, 17.7%)
3. 12 net rushing yards (74 for the season, which ranks #1)

Offensively, once the engine was jump started, a healthy does of Henne to Manningham for two more perfect strikes put this game away with Hart finishing off any hopes the Badgers had when he slipped into the end zone from 5 yards out on a nice, patient, run up the middle.

Rivas and Breaston once again shined on special teams - Breaston in putting Michigan in good field position and Rivas with finishing off scoring drives.

And what happened to our kick and punt return coverage? The first two weeks of the season were simply painful to watch. Now our opposition is lucky to get to the 20 yard line on kick-offs and more importantly, returners are just thankful when they are forcefully shown the turf and still possess the ball. That's two forced special team turnovers in two weeks, folks.

The offense looked sluggish at times, but we must give Wisconsin's defense some credit. I mean, they did finish off the 2005 season by spanking a Top 10 Auburn team. It was only natural that Michigan would struggle to move the ball against them at times; however, 3rd down conversions were a chore to watch. Need to work on this guys.

On the flipside of Michigan's 3rd down troubles is the fact that for two straight weeks, the Wolverines have turned a 3rd and 4 into long TD passes to Manningham. This shows they are not afraid to go for the jugular during crucial moments of the game. A nice change for the Michigan faithful.

So, Michigan punched Wisconsin in the mouth and has now assured itself an unbeaten September for this first time in years. Off to Minnesota to play in the poor excuse for any type of sports venue the garbage bag, I mean Metrodome. If Michigan is able to take care of business against the Gophers, which I suspect they will do, handily, it's off to the toughest stretch of the year - MSU, @PSU, Iowa.

My Key to 2006 Success Update - Red Zone Efficiency

Offense

1. Four trips in the Red Zone resulting in 1 TD & 2 FG's for 13 of 28 possible points (80 of a possible 119 points for the season - 67.2%).

Defense

1. One trip for the opposition in the Red Zone resulting in 1 FG for 3 of 7 possible points (27 of a possible 42 points scored for the season - 64.3%).
   

Offensively, Michigan needs to pick its Red Zone efficiency up. Although they've scored in 15 of 17 total trips for the season, they are relying heavily on the FG.

Quick Slant

My Week 1 Big Ten predictions were perfect, but the games were not that difficult to pick. It will be more interesting next week when the Buckeyes travel to Iowa. I took Iowa in this one.

DP