Читать книгу Michigan Motivations. A Year of Inspiration with the University of Michigan Wolverines онлайн

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In the first half, everything pointed to an easy Wolverine victory. Spartan quarterback Brian Hoyer struggled to find wide-open receivers. With the Spartans’ obvious offensive challenges, the Wolverines managed to take a 14–3 lead into halftime. The MSU cornerbacks struggled to contain Michigan’s star receiver, Mario Manningham, who would finish the game with eight receptions for 129 yards.

At halftime, the teams entered their respective locker rooms to game-plan for the second half. When the Spartans returned to the field, they looked like a completely different team. At the close of the third quarter, running back Javon Ringer ripped off a 72-yard run to set up Brian Hoyer’s go-ahead touchdown pass, and giving the Spartans a 17–14 lead. Shortly after, running back Jehuu Caulcrick converted a 1-yard rush for a touchdown to give MSU a 24–14 lead with 7:40 left in the game.

Michigan had to get their act together fast. On the next drive, Wolverine quarterback Chad Henne twisted his ankle. He had to leave the field for one play, and freshman quarterback Ryan Mallett replaced him on the field. Mallett fumbled the snap, but running back Mike Hart grabbed the ball and ran for a first down. MSU coach Dantonio later stated, “The turning point was when the ball came out and we blitzed Mallett, and Hart scooped it up.”