4B - November 3, 2008 The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com 4 4 GAME STATISTICS New defensive scheme no helu Team Stats First Downs Rush/Yds PassingYards , Offensive Plays Total Offense Kick returns/ Yds Punt returns/YdsN P*mp/A28nt Fumbles/Lost Penaties/Yards Time of Poss PASSING Player Thret RUSHING Player Thret Ceons Totals 3 RECENG Player N GNAT Mathews Total PUNTING Player N KICKOFF RETURNS Player I Cssoko Moundrs Totals - PUNT RETURNS Player I Odoms Totals TACKLES arrsn TJampson Mouton WNNN Hrron TPeNyN -Thomsn PAING Buter RUNING Heron SheNtsd TWnw PUSING Player Toas Player A Sier P Total 4 Player N KOrton Sheygtd Haiowsnd Mclean Magee Dierking Carino Bolden Halliburton Finch Tota's MICH 15 37/177 123 58 300 8/190 3/82 9/21/A 3/1 5/40 22:18 PUR 25 46/256 266 80 522 7/152 2/17 1/1 6/48 37:42 M I C H I G A N C-A Yds TD 9-21 123 2 9-21 123 2 Att 7 2 37 No. 4 2 1 9 Yds 155 10 6 6 177 Yds 26 61 25 11 123 Avg 0.9 3.0 4.8 Avg 12.5 110 Lg 13 8 45 LgS 14 11 TD 3 0 3 TD 0 1 2 By COURTNEY RATKOWIAK Daily Sports Editor WEST LAFAYETTE - At first glance, the Wolverines' defensive play Saturday looked almost the same as every Satur- day before. With the score tied at 28 in the third quarter, on a criti- cal Purdue third-and-9 at the Michigan 30-yard line, Purdue running back Kory Sheets broke multiple Wolverine tackles before being stopped - but not before getting a first down. The Boilermakers tied the game four plays later. Missed tackles. Failed third- and-long stops. Blown coverage. The only difference between Saturday and the eight games beforeitwasthattheWolverines ran a new defensive scheme. But revamped or not, the unit gave up 522 total yards and con- tinued to regress in Michigan's 48-42 loss to Purdue. It was the third Big Ten game this year in which the defense has allowed 45 or more points, and this is the first sea- son in Michigan history where the Wolverines have given up more than 40 points in multiple games. "Tackle better," Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said crisply after the game, listing the issues with the defense. "Get off the blocks, break to the ball better, tackle better. That will solve a lot of problems." Michigan implemented a stack 3-3-5 defense for Satur- day's game, a change from the 4-3 defense it has run in recent games. The Wolverines started practicing the defense Tues- day, a decision linebacker John Thompson said was made when it was announced Purdue soph- omore Justin Siller would likely start in place of injured fifth- year senior Curtis Painter. Before Saturday, Michigan used the scheme exclusively on third downs against spread offenses. In theory, the 3-3-5 defense puts more emphasis on pass defense because there are more players in the secondary to eliminate passing lanes. Against Michigan State on Oct. 25, the Wolverine second- ary was torn apart as it missed tackles and failed to get off the field on third-and-long. The Spartans threw for 306 yards and three touchdowns with a So-percent third-down conver- sion rate. On Saturday, with the new defense, the statistics were almost identical. The Michigan secondary allowed 266 passing yards and three touchdowns, and the Boil- ermakers were 8-of-17 on third- down conversions. The Wolverine starting line- backers - fifth-year senior John Thompson, and redshirt sopho- mores Obi Ezeh and Jonas Mou- ton - weren't.shuffled, but usual cornerback Donovan Warren started at free safety. A possible reason for War- ren's switch was his lack of physicality while locking down receivers. "We know (Warren) is fast and he doesn't get off blocks well, at least as far as what we've seen on film," said Purdue fifth-year senior wide receiver Desmond Tardy, who scored the winning touchdown for the Boilermakers with 26 seconds remaining. "So it's easier to block him for me, being a slot receiver, because he's not really wanting all this contact." The defensive line person- nel rotated throughout the game, with Tim Jamison, Ter- rance Taylor and Brandon Gra- ham as the starters. Freshman nose tackle Mike Martin, who rotated with Taylor at defensive tackle Saturday, said constantly shifting the line kept them fresh SAM WOLGON5/aAiA Sophomore Donovan Warren played free safety in Michigan's loss at Purdue Entering the game, he had only played cornerback for the Wolverines. 4 4 o. Yds Avg Lg No. 4 1 8 60 129 1 190 20. 32.3 1.0 23.8 53 1 53 TD 0 0 and was a "good decision by the coaches." At the beginning of the sea- son, the veteran-laden Wolver- ine defense was expected to carry the young offense. But it was the poor play of the defense that ended any hope of a bowl trip for many of those vet- erans Saturday. "I thought the strength of the Michigan team was defen- sively," Purdue coach Joe Tiller said, looking at the box score during Saturday's postgame press conference. "Never in my wildest imagination did I think we'd score 48 points." No. Yds ANg 3 82 27.3 3 8? 273 Lg TD Solo Asst Tot 6 1 7 5 2 7 5 1 6 4 2 6 Wackiness on special teams continues 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 . 1 1 56 P U R D U E C-A Yds 21-34 266 21-34 266 0 0 0 0 0 10 4 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 66 0 0 10 TD Int 3 0 Att 0 46 Yds 128 6 266 Avg 3.9 61.0 5.6 L.9 18 61 TD 3 4 Jo. Yds 8 89 3 42 3 28 3 22 2 29 1 48 1 7 18 266 No. 5 1 6 Avg Lg TO 11. 35 1 14.0 23 1 14.5 16 0 48.0 20 1 37 37.0 37 207 34s5 41 No. Yds Avg Lg TO 3 T 23A3 27 0 No. Yds Avg g TDO 2 17 8.5 13 0 Solo 7 4 3 3 2 2 Asst Tot 3 10 5 9 3 6 0 3 0 3 0 3 1 3 0 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 By DAN FELDMAN Daily Sports Editor WEST LAFAYETTE - Pur- due football coach Joe Tiller couldn't believe the ridiculous NOTEBOOK special teams play by both teams in his team's 48-42 win over Michigan on Sat- urday. But for the Wolverines, it was just another Saturday. Michigan freshman Martavi- ous Odoms returned the Boiler- makers' first punt 73 yards for a touchdown. Then he fumbled his second return, setting Purdue up for a short touchdown drive. And the special teams play didn't getmuch more usual as the game progressed with a 61-yard run on a fake punt by Purdue linebacker Anthony Heygood, the Boilermakers downing a punt at the one-yard line and negative- three-yard kickoff return by Odoms. "They say 'If you've been around enough, you've seen it all. If you've seen it all and you stick around, you'll see it all again,' " said Tiller, who has been coach- ing for 54 years. "Well, I ain't never seen that. I'm not going to see it again either, I don't think." The Michigan special teams roller coaster started when the Wolverines dropped their first two kickoff returns at Notre Dame and has rarely slowed BOILERMAKERS From page 1B "They were coming in hun- gry too with the same record and the same things at stake," Purdue wide receiver Desmond Tardy said. "So we had to come in and overpower it and think past their tradition, just think this team is here now - not the, I don't know, national champi- onship team they might have had years back." All afternoon, the Wolverines had chances to seal the game but couldn't quite close the door. With just over a minute remaining, Michigan (1-4 Big Ten, 2-7 overall) tied the score on junior Brandon Minor's third rushing touchdown of the game. The defense needed to hold the Boilermakers for 80 seconds to force overtime. Purdue moved the ball into field-goal range after three plays, setting up sec- ond and seven from the 32-yard line. Against Michigan's man defense, Purdue quarterback Justin Siller passed it four yards over the middle to Greg Orton, who pitched it back to Tardy. He ran down the sideline to the end zone and put the Boilermakers (1-4 Big Ten, 3-6 overall) on top as the crowd went crazy. Senior safety Brandon Har- rison said the defense was sup- posed to be lined up in press coverage but gave the receivers too much cushion on the play. down since. Redshirt junior Zoltan Mesko, one of 10 semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award, given to the nation's top punter, had been the lone spe- cial teams bright spot. And he kept Michigan in the game Saturday. The Wolverines, outgained 522-300 in total yards, averaged 21.7 more net yards per punt than Purdue. "There wasn't much pressure, just because I trust my team- mates and they do their job," Mesko said. Michigan's returners played well Saturday, too. In addition to his punt return for a touchdown, Odoms had a 45-yard kick return. Freshman Boubacar Cissoko had a 53-yard kick return. Ranked 110th in the nation in punt returns two weeks ago, Michigan now sits at 64th. But a play in the fourth quar- ter, which junior defensive end Brandon Graham called the game's turning point, tarnished the Wolverines' mostly improved special teams. With the game tied at 35 and Purdue facing a fourth and eight at its own 32-yard line, Tiller called for Heygood's fake. His coaches asked him three times if he was sure. He was, and Hey- good, the up-man on the play, took the snap and raced 61 yards along the left sideline. "I'm disappointed on the punt because we kind of anticipated it, and we yelled that it may be com- ing because of the alignment," Rodriguez said. It was the biggest swing in a wild special teams game. "It was an entertaining kick- ing game for everybody but me," Tiller said. Imagine how Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez feels every week. BURN THAT RED SHIRT: About two months ago, Rodri- guez said freshman Justin Feagin would redshirt. Eventhoughhe's Michigan's best running quarter- back, he wasn't polished enough to play this year. But Feagin made his college debut Saturday, burning his red- shi-t in the process. His playing time came on the punt-return team. Feagin said he talked with the coaches before the game about whether he would play. "I wanted to play," Feagin said. Most schools recruited Feagin as a defensive back, but Rodri- guez offered the Deerfield, Fla. native a chance to play quarter- back. Feagin worked at quarterback in fall camp, but struggled to pick up the schemes. He has worked at slot receiver as well during the season. Rodriguez has previously said Feagin's future is likely at slot receiver. SILLER TIME: It was difficult to watch Purdue quarterback Justin Junior running back Brandon Siller and not wonder how much Minor wore a brace on his right he could have helped Michigan wrist, which he said he wears this year. after every game. His wrist kept Siller was the prototypical him out for a short period during spread quarterback Saturday - the game. 21-of-34 for 266 yards and three Senior nose tackle Terrance touchdown passes, 15 runs for Taylor had his right hand cov- 77 yards and a touchdown on the ered in ice after the game. ground. Freshman running back Sam "He's got a lot of improving McGuffie and redshirt freshman to do," Tiller said. "I'm not quite free safety Michael Williams sure where, but he does." missed the game after suffering Siller played at Orchard Lake concussions last week against St. Mary's High School, but he Michigan State. wasn't offered a scholarship by NOTES: Minor took two direct the Wolverines. snaps. He ran for seven and zero "I grew up watching Michi- yards on those plays. Junior run- gan," Siller said. "When I was ning back Carlos Brown, who has younger, they were really good." been plagued by several injuries And the Detroit native's break- throughout the year, has, also out game came in his first career taken snaps and run this sea- start. son.... Redshirt sophomore John "We put pressure on the quar- ' Ferrara started at left guard terback early, a young quarter- after redshirt junior Tim McA- back, inexperienced," fifth-year voy started at the position the senior defensive end Tim Jami- last two games. Ferrara started son said. "As the game got along against Wisconsin, but redshirt he got more confidence. He's junior Mark Ortmann replaced going to be a good player in the him for the next two games.... future." Redshirt junior Carson Butler Siller started for the injured made his debut at defensive end Curtis Painter, who missed his after switching from tight end first start in 40 games. It was the about two weeks ago. After being longest streak in the nation. dropped to third string at tight INJURY UPDATE: A Michigan end, he asked to move to defense. official helped redshirt fresh- ... Odoms, redshirt junior wide man quarterback Steven Threet, receiver LaTerryal Savoy and who was sacked three times in freshman wide receiver Dar- the game, walk out of the locker ryl Stonum all scored their first room after the game. career touchdowns. SANDALS wouldn't talk to the media, but From page 1B it wasn't because he was miffed about the cut in playing time. It was because he knew his col- struggles - it's been a group lege football career would be effort. But it's sad to see a group over in three short weeks. He of players that has given so genuinely looked too sad to much to this program, most- talk. ly unnoticed, leave on such Fifth-year senior cornerback depressing terms. Morgan Trent has lost playing As sophomores, many of time to a freshman this season, them played a key role in the too. But that hasn't stopped him team's undefeated run to the from receiving an unfair shre Ohio State game. Last year, of the blame for a struggling they helped right the ship after secondary. an 0-2 start with a much more As Trent walked off the field talented team than this year's. at Ross-Ade Stadium Saturday, This year, they stuck around a Michigan fan yelled, "You through a coaching change suck, Trent." even thoughthey knew it meant But will fans remember that their final season would be see this year's senior class isn't drastic changes. They knew marking the end of an era but they would essentially be fresh- the beginning of a new one? men to the new coaching staff. Will that fan who yelled at They knew they couldn't live up Trent take it back when Michi- to the legacy of Long, Hart and gan returns to its winning tra- Henne. dition? But these seniors stuck it "The seniors, I'm sure, are out. disappointed more than any- Some of the seniors have body, but they've laid, they're been benched in favor of still laying, the foundation for younger players. They've suf- our program," Rodriguez said. fered through that indignity Right now the Michigan because they want to do what's football program is in a deep best for the team now and in hole. But fans shouldn't give up the future. hope that the Wolverines will On Saturday, senior nose be back on top in the not-so- tackle Terrence Taylor prob- distant future. ably played fewer snaps than When they are, remember he has all season. Taylor had to this year's senior class - a watch as Martin, a true fresh- group that paid it forward. man, took the repetitions he has worked for four years to earn. -Sandals can be reached After the game, Taylor at nsandals@umich.edu. A 1 1 2 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1' 1 35 18 53 BIG TEN STANDINGS Team Big Ten Overall Penn State Michigan State Ohio State Northwestern Minnesota Illinois Iowa Indiana Purdue Michigan Wisconsin 5 5 4 3 3- 3 2 1 1 1 1 0 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 5 9 8 7 7 7 5 5 3 3 2 4 0 2 2 '2 2 4' 6 6 7 5 Junior running back Brandon Minor rushed for a career-high 155 yards in Michigan's loss at PArdue AT Saturday. He alGA ran fAT thnee touchdowns. Earlier in the fourth quarter, Michigan was equally unnerved when it allowed another trick play. With the game tied;the Wol- verines forced Purdue into along fourth down. But a 61-yard fake punt run by the up-man turned an opportunity for Michigan to get the ball back into a prime scoring chance for the Boiler- makers, which Siller completed two plays later for one of his three passingtouchdowns. "We kind of anticipated it, and we yelled that it may be coming because of the align- ment," Rodriguez said. "They did a nice job executing." Despite the close score, the Boilermakers held a clear sta- tistical advantage on the after- noon. They had a 25-15 edge in first downs and held possession of the ball for 15 more minutes. They outgained Michigan by 222 yards. The frustration will only mount as the Wolverines look at the missed opportunities they had through out the game. And for the fourth time in five weeks, the Wolverines allowed 21 unanswered points, which leaves more unanswered questions. THIS WEEKEND'S RESULTS PURDUE 48, Michigan 42 Central Michigan 37, INDIANA 34 MIcHIGAN STATE 25, Wisconsin 24 Northwestern 24, MINNESoTA 17 ILLIsNIS 27, Iowa 24