Michigan rolls as defense shuts down Maryland

Wolverines crush Terps

It wasn't the prettiest start to the game for the Michigan offense, but when your defense is giving up absolutely nothing, things tend to work themselves out.

Michigan (4-1, 1-0 Big Ten) rode that dominant defense, and an offense that woke up in the second half, to its second consecutive shutout in a 28-0 win over Maryland.

The Wolverines held the Terps to just 82 total net yards of offense, and to just 1-for-17 on third down attempts.

Jake Rudock was OK. He threw an interception across his body in the third quarter, but he kept his cool and finished 16-for-32 with 180 yards and a touchdown. Drake Johnson returned to form, leading a rushing attack that was without De'Veon Smith, with 72 yards on 14 carries. He had a 1-yard rushing touchdown and a 31-yard touchdown reception.

All-in-all, Michigan continued to prove that it's all about defense and running the ball under Jim Harbaugh. Today's win sets up a big-time showdown with Northwestern (5-0, 1-0) next Saturday at The Big House.

Johnson's second TD puts Michigan up 28-0

After the defense forced another three-and-out, Maryland got off a short punt and then took a penalty, setting the Wolverines up at the Terps 24.

It was easy pickings from there, as Drake Johnson got the ball down to the goal line and punched it in from a yard out to give Michigan a 28-0 lead with 6:53 left to play.

Johnson has started to look like his old self today. He's got 72 rushing yards rushing on 14 carries with a score, and also found the end zone in the third quarter on a 31-yard screen pass.

Michigan drive stalls in Maryland territory

The Wolverines ran the ball well (6 carries, 45 yards) and got down inside the Maryland 30, but an ill-timed penalty made it difficult to throw the ball and Blake O'Neil came on for a punt that he struck down the Maryland 5.

Michigan was able to take about five minutes off the clock on that drive, and things are looking dire for Maryland as they trail 21-0 with 9:49 left to play.

Wolverines pad lead with quick-strike TD

On the first play following a Terps punt, Jehu Chesson came around on the jet sweep and took it 66 yards for a Michigan touchdown to stretch the lead to 21-0 with 5:07 to play in the third quarter.

The Wolverines have a little breathing room now that the offense has officially woken up. They are outgaining Maryland 294-90 in total yards. It's been a clinic.

New QB for Terps

Maxx Garman is on for Maryland after Caleb Rowe went 9-for-28 for 69 yards and three interceptions.

Defense sets up offensive score

Caleb Rowe threw his third interception of the day, and this time it was Jourdan Lewis who hauled it in and set Michigan up at the Maryland 31.

The Wolverines offense finally rewarded its defense.

On third down, Jake Rudock hit Drake Johnson on a beautifully executed screen pass that the senior running back took to the house for a touchdown. Rudock hit Khalid Hills on the two-point conversion to push the Michigan lead to 14-0. At this point, that deficit looks almost insurmountable for a Maryland offense that can't do anything against the Wolverines D.

Defense picks up offense after Rudock INT

Jake Rudock threw an interception on Michigan's opening drive as he tried to throw back across his body to Sione Houma. The turnover was Michigan's third of the day.

Despite excellent field position at the Michigan 45, Maryland was again stuffed by the Wolverine's defense and was forced to punt.

Michigan still leads, 6-0, with 11:26 to play in the third quarter.

Another Allen field goal gives Wolverines 6-0 lead at the half

Jake Rudock hit Jake Butt for a 44-yard gain on a nicely set up misdirection screen after Michigan got the ball back with just under two minutes to play in the first half. After another pass to Butt came up just a yard short of the first down, Michigan was forced to try a 32-yard field goal, which Kenny Allen hit with 53 seconds to play in the first half.

The offense started to play better as the first half came to a close, but they still haven't been able to punch it in the end zone. Rudock is 12-for-18 for 121 yards. He's also the leading rusher with 20 yards, as Derrick Green has managed just 16 yards on four first half carries.

The Wolverines defense has been dominant. After a slow start that saw the Terps hit a couple nice plays, Maryland totalled just 68 yards in the first half. Caleb Rowe was just 8-for-24 for 47 yards and two interceptions. His receivers didn't help him out much, dropping no less than four passes in the first half.

Nifty runs by Peppers, Rudock set up FG

Kenny Allen hit a 30-yard field goal to give Michigan a 3-0 lead with 6:00 left to play in the first half.

Jabrill Peppers set the offense up nicely with a return to the Maryland 37, and Jake Rudock did work with his feet on fourth and three, running tough with his head down to get to the first down marker before reversing field and picking up an additional 17 yards to give Michigan the ball at the Maryland 12.

Allen misses long FG

Kenny Allen missed a 47-yard field goal that could have been easier if not for a Jake Rudock intentional grounding penalty on second down cost the Wolverines 10 yards.

The mistakes continue to pile up for both offenses. This game is trending towards a low-scoring, defensive battle.

Wolverines, Terps trade turnovers

After Ty Isaac committed his second cardinal sin of the day (he was responsible for the roughing the punter penalty) by fumbling on first down at the Michigan 28, the Terps gave the ball right back to the Wolverines as Caleb Rowe's third down screen pass went off the fingers of his running back and was intercepted by Desmond Morgan.

It's a windy day in Maryland, but the weather doesn't appear to be causing all these miscues. The rain has held off, and both teams just look completely lackadaisical on offense.

It's still scoreless as the second quarter gets underway.

Wolverines can't capitalize on turnover

After a Blake O'Neil punt pinned the Terps at their own 1, the Michigan defense forced a punt but found itself back on the field after a roughing the kicker penalty. Jeremy Clark apparently wasn't in a good mood following that penalty as he intercepted a Caleb Rowe pass to set the offense up at the Maryland 42.

The offense couldn't capitalize, however, as Jake Rudock went to run for a first down on 4th & 2 and fumbled the ball away. He wouldn't have gotten to the marker, anyways.

The game is still scoreless with 3:29 to play in the first quarter.

Terps hit a few nice plays, but Wolverines D holds strong

Maryland worked its way into Michigan territory rather easily on its first four plays from scrimmage, but the next three plays netted -1 yard and they were forced to punt from just inside midfield.

The Michigan defense looked a little sleepy at the outset. Hopefully that first Maryland drive wakes them up a bit.

Michigan down two starters heading into Maryland

De'Veon Smith is out today with an ankle/foot injury. Jim Harbaugh said the x-ray's on Smith's foot came back negative after last week's win over BYU. I have a sneaking feeling the Wolverines are just trying to get their leading rusher some rest heading into big showdowns with Northwestern and Michigan State. Ty Isaac will get the start today, with Drake Johnson and Derrick Green sure to get a few carries as well.

Starting defensive back Channing Striblling also isn't on the active roster today. Details about his absence were not immediately available.