Michigan Football: Breaking Down the San Diego State Game by the Numbers

The Michigan Wolverines football team turned heads on Saturday in their game against San Diego State University.

In the first half, the Michigan offense dominated, while in the second half it was the defense's turn to step up and make stops.

But some statistics from this game are still troubling and worrisome.

As Michigan enters the Big Ten conference schedule, it needs to fix some glaring issues. My explanation of some crucial statistics from the San Diego State game last weekend will bring these issues to light.

0 — The number of points San Diego State had until 40 seconds to go in the third quarter. Michigan's defense stepped up in a huge way last game, allowing the Aztecs into Michigan territory eleven times but only giving up the one touchdown.

1 — The number of career fumbles lost that Aztecs sophomore running back Ronnie Hillman had before Saturday's contest. Hillman fumbled three times against the Wolverines and lost two of them, tripling his career total in fumbles lost.

2 — The number of interceptions Denard Robinson threw on Saturday against San Diego State. Robinson had another sub-par day, but I will talk more about that later.

3 (part 1) — The number of turnovers Michigan had in just the third quarter. Michigan's running game put the Wolverines up 21-0 at halftime, courtesy of three first-half rushing touchdowns by Denard Robinson. The third quarter was a mess, however, and it killed any momentum the Michigan offense had generated in the first half. 

3 (part 2) — The number of passing first downs Michigan had against SDSU. Three passing first downs against a Mountain West Conference defense is not going to cut it when the Wolverines enter Big Ten play this weekend.

4 — Michigan's offense went 4 for 11 on third down conversions. The offense was largely one-dimensional, almost fully dictated by what Denard Robinson could do with his feet. As we've seen in previous Big Ten seasons, having a one-dimensional offense is a recipe for disaster.

5 — Michigan's defense only gave up five rushing first downs against San Diego State. This was a bright side on the defense, as highly touted San Diego State running back Ronnie Hillman was kept in check for 109 yards, no touchdowns, and most importantly, two lost fumbles.

6 — The number of times San Diego State was forced to punt by Michigan's defense. The Michigan defense stood tall in its own end, forcing three fourth down stops, three Aztec punts, and a lost fumble in Michigan territory.

7 — The number of points that the Aztecs managed to score in the game. Michigan's defense went almost seven full quarters without giving up a touchdown before a late third quarter touchdown toss by Ryan Lindley broke the streak and the shutout.

8 — Completions by Denard Robinson. Eight completions on 17 attempts for 93 yards. Two of his throws ended up being interceptions. This does not bode well for the Wolverines heading into conference play.

9.52 — Yards per rush by Denard Robinson on 21 carries. Robinson rushed for 200 yards and three touchdowns, one of the few offensive bright spots in the game.

15 — Passing first downs by San Diego State. Michigan's inability to convert third downs left its defense on the field for far too long in the second half. San Diego State should have capitalized on more opportunities, but despite the pressure that was put on Aztec quarterback Ryan Lindley, he still found a way to torch the Wolverines through the air.

23 — Completions for Aztec quarterback Ryan Lindley. Lindley completed just 23 of 48 passes. He had 253 yards and a touchdown, but the number of incompletions was justified considering the heavy pressure he was under from Michigan's front seven. More times than not Lindley was just forced to throw it away, and it ended up costing his team on third and fourth down.

47 — Percent passing for each quarterback. Lindley had a slightly higher percentage at 47.9 than Robinson's 47.1, but the fact of the matter is that neither quarterback carried his team to victory with their arm. Robinson was more due to being generally inaccurate, whereas Lindley missed some open receivers, but the pressure by the Michigan blitzes forced incompletions as well. Both quarterbacks had a passer rating of under 100.

253 — Passing yards by Aztec quarterback Lindley. If Michigan consistently gives up over 200 yards passing a game during the Big Ten season, we could be in for another relapse of last season's misfortunes.

320 — Net yards rushing for the Wolverines. If they average anywhere over 200 net yards rushing per game for the rest of the season, they will be more than ready to win in the Big Ten conference. Don't count on it, but Michigan's offensive line blocked well in the first half, and if they could continue to open up holes, Denard Robinson needs just a little crease to disappear into the end zone.

Michigan's defense has been stellar thus far, with the exception of the Notre Dame game. They tackled well and forced turnovers; they did neither very well last season.

If Michigan could get more than 100 yards passing in a game (maybe 150) they could be in business for the Big Ten season.

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