Brandon Herron's big moments spark Michigan football team to 34-10 victory
Senior linebacker Brandon Herron races to the end zone on a 94-yard fumble return. He later scored on a 29-yard fumble recovery.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Michigan’s revamped defense was shaky, as several players put it.
That off-season of renewed fundamentals and the installation of 4-3 scheme was expected to pay immediate dividends and, instead, Western Michigan quarterback Alex Carder completed his first nine passes.
After all that, it was a backup linebacker who saved the day.
Senior Brandon Herron scored touchdowns on interception and fumble returns and sophomore Fitzgerald Toussaint added two scores in his first game as Michigan’s lead back to help the Wolverines beat Western Michigan, 34-10, at a rain-soaked Michigan Stadium.
They didn’t even need four quarters to do it.
The game twice was halted because of thunderstorms in the area, the second of which eventually ended the game. It’s the first time in the team’s modern history it ended a game before completing four quarters.
But first, Herron did his thing.
It started midway through the second quarter, when the game was knotted at 7-7 and Western Michigan was driving hard for a third consecutive time to start the game. But with the Broncos in the red zone, Carder’s pass was tipped by freshman linebacker Jake Ryan.
Herron grabbed the ball out of mid-air. The rest — all 94 yards of his return, a Michigan record — was a blur.
“I was just looking up, and my legs just carried me,” Herron said.
No one would fault him for not knowing how to get to the end zone. After all, he hasn’t been there since he played running back in eighth grade — “and no, (longtime Michigan running backs coach Fred) Jackson was not my coach,” he quipped.
“(I’ve been told) any time we get an interception, run it back to your sideline,” he continued. “So, after I caught the ball, just looked straight ahead, obviously no ball security whatsoever, just tried to get to the end zone.”
That he did, making it 13-7 after Michigan had its extra-point attempt blocked.
Then he found it again, after junior safety Jordan Kovacs blasted Carder at the start of the third quarter to force the ball loose.
Kovacs said it was the hardest hit of his career.
“It was loud, too,” added Herron, who scooped up the ball and dashed into the end zone for his second score.
Herron is the first Michigan player to have two returns for touchdowns in the same game since legendary Tom Harmon did so on a kickoff and punt return against California in 1940.
Elite company.
“We made a check, and I ended up coming off the edge and Kovacs came free,” Herron said of the play. “Just ran it in the end zone.
“Something that just happened in the moment, just picked it up and took off.”
Michigan coach Brady Hoke has talked about the importance of turnover margin throughout the preseason. The Wolverines were an NCAA-worst minus-32 the past three years.
Against Western Michigan, they were plus-3, including none of their own.
It was the first non-rain related item Hoke raised after the game.
“Turnover margin is a statistic that is very important in the game of football, and our offense did a tremendous job taking care of the football,” he said. “Our defense created three turnovers, obviously two of them were for defensive scores, which is always fun.
“I think our guys understand that message that we sent about taking care of the football.”
Denard Robinson finished 9-of-13 passing for 98 yards and ran eight times for 46 yards, making him the team’s third-leading rusher. That was somewhat surprising, as Michigan has moved to the pro-style offense, in which Robinson is expected to pass more.
“Coach called the plays and I was ready. That’s all,” Robinson said of how he was utilized. “It was about 50/50 (between running and passing). We did both, and I enjoyed it.
“I didn’t know what to expect, to be honest with you. We were just out there ready to play with all our plays. Whatever they called, I was just ready.”
In the first game since 2007 that Michigan featured a tailback, Toussaint finished with 11 carries for 80 yards and two touchdowns. He had a long of 43 late in the game.
“I was just running to daylight,” Toussaint said.
Added Robinson: “He runs hard and he makes guys miss. … I just love watching that guy break tackles.”
Carder finished 22-of-31 for 183 yards and one interception for the Broncos. He was sharp, particularly early, when he completed his first nine passes.
Western Michigan was on a roll offensively — until Herron stepped in.
“It did change the game, but obviously you can have a score, you can run it in, and a lot of teams will still lose a game, Herron said. “It was just a well-fought game, and we were just trying to pound them each and every play.”
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
MRunner73
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 5:54 p.m.
The Michigan defense was soft much of the first half. Carder is the real deal, but he is only one of several talented QBs we will play this season. It was frustrating to watch Western move the ball as much as they did the first half. I suppose my own expectations were too high about what our defense can do. Once we started blitzing and once we got the big turnover and converted it for a TD, we did everything I had hoped for; pressure Western QB Carder, and even stop the run. Great adjustments, something else I hoped for. Our offense was good and got better in the 3rd quarter. Too bad the storms came because had it not rained, we probably would have seen Devon Gardner in the 4th quarter to have his shot at QB for the Maize and Blue. Just a thought: Bo Schembechler would have said something like...If we would have played the game at noon like we're supposed to, we would not have had to deal with the storms.... Only thing is more people would have passed out. This was only the first game, so I agree with the comment on more adjustments and improvements as the weeks and season goes along. NOW we can start talking about the Notre Dame game...it will be a fun week. GO BLUE!!
truebluefan
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 5:47 p.m.
It was a nice win but our D still gave up big runs, long 3rd down conversions, and way too many pass completions. Carder moved that team down the field with relative ease. If not for the well timed blitzes (thanks Mattison) and the heroics of Kovacs, Ryan and Herron, this is a totally different game. The offense was methodical and didn't turn it over, which is great, but we moved the ball in tiny little spurts. Better defenses will force a bunch more punts if we stick with that offensive plan. Special teams (kickoff coverage) was 10X worse than last year. The tests begin next week, although ND looked pretty bad against USF. I am beginning to think SDSU will give us a tougher game than ND.
footballfan
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 3 p.m.
Michigan definitely dominated the second half and all the more power to them. My only question is when a fumble occurs after the quaterback is hit and he is face down on the ground is a defensive player then allow to come full speed and slam his body onto the quarterback (Carder). Isn't this a personal foul penalty? Just watch the tape because that is what happened and no penalty was called. What gives? Is the game called in favor of the higher rated schools?
Long Time No See
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 10:55 p.m.
Whoops - sorry, I just realized you said "fumble" - clearly we're looking at the same play.
Long Time No See
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 10:54 p.m.
Sore loser is sore. j/k - it's clearly a judgment call. Was the defender already in the process of blocking/tackling before the quarterback was down? I think so, and so did the officials (if you disagree, please provide the game clock time - maybe we're looking at different plays). You can't expect someone to immediately turn off the laws of physics. Inertia is inertia, and not even U-M students can change that, even if they really did want to protect the poor little WMU quarterback who throws a hissy fit every time he gets hit.
MjC
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 2:09 p.m.
What a cRaZy game! Very exciting and the Wolverines are on their way... Go Blue!
Jamal
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 12:38 p.m.
One thing I noticed was in-game adjustments that point to the competency of the coaching staff. For all its bluster and player-bashing (we're good coaches, but the cupboard is bare), RR's staff was regularly out-coached, as evidenced by teams having more second-half success against them. In this game, you could see WMU struggle offensively in the second half, and struggle to adjust to Michigan's defensive adjustments. Our coaching staff seems pretty competent this year.
azwolverine
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 4:01 p.m.
Rightmind...the key is that adjustments were made. That in itself is a breath of fresh air. Even more refreshing is that they worked. True, UM struggled man-to-man against the pass, so the coaches actually did something to combat that and, fortunately, the players had the fundamental know how to execute the changes. Great coaching in every respect.
rightmind250
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 1:32 p.m.
The defensive adjustments were, bring the house on the blitz every play. Carder was a very good and accurate passer. It was evident UM could not handle the WMU offense man to man. The only chance thay had was to bring numbers and hope they couldn't handle it. The idea worked against a mac team missing 3 starters on the o-line. Brady and Mattison are rightfully concerned about what will happen against teams with a balanced attack.
BlueGator
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 11:10 a.m.
Wow, you folks are a lot more pumped about this victory than I am. Was I watching (actually listening to) a different game? We beat a middle-of-the-road MAC team that was 93rd in total offense last year, and we only out gained them by a mere 9 yards by the end of the rain-shortened affair. Our special teams play was terrible. Don't get me wrong. I'll take any W we can get. It just worries me that we had to rely on the extensive use of blitz packages to turn the tide. It still seems like every QB we face is capable of having a career day against us. Let's see what we look like after the Notre Dame game next week. ND out gained USF 508 yards to 256. Unfortunately for the Golden Domers, they had an early 96 yard fumble recovery returned against them for a TD. That was a 14 point swing after only 4 minutes of play in bad weather, and they ran out of time trying to come back after extensive rain delays of their own. The Wolverines are definitely headed in the right direction. My early suspicion, however, is that we just don't have enough beef in the trenches to beat the stronger teams we'll face as the season progresses. I still think we only get 7 wins, tops.
RWBill
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 2:13 p.m.
A lot of truth there. The good thing is we have a DC who is willing to send 6 or 7 guys at the QB instead of dropping 8 into coverage. The repeat DUI Master at ND is a great receiver and will give Michigan fits, although had he been attending Michigan he would have been suspended for the entire year if not booted off the team for his third alcohol offense. But, Brian Kelly and ND are not Brady Hoke and Michigan.
johnnya2
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 12:11 p.m.
Listening is not watching. Things to consider 1. No sacks 2. No turnovers 3. They used power running 4. Defense made big plays when it mattered 5. Notre Dame was down 16 at the half, only a late touchdown kept it from looking worse than it actually was for them 6. The total offense number is VERY misleading. If your offense has fewer possessions because the defense scores it will happen quite often. 7. The defense scored more points than the WMU offense. 8. Alex Carder as a sophomore was third string all MAC. He is a very solid QB overall. 9. The special teams needs work, the true test will see if they improve. The problem with the past regime is that the team regressed as the season went on.
Goofus
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 5:45 a.m.
Who knows, it might've even ended up 48-17...that is, if a complete game would've been played. As it stand, UM can proudly claim to be 3/4 - 0 on the season.
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 5:02 a.m.
Just to add... in terms of getting a beautifully composed and meaningful photograph of the biggest play of the game, Melanie deserves a big thumbs up. That should be entered in competitions.
Mick
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 5:14 a.m.
Good all Macabre, big thumbs up to Melanie, yayyyyy for a great photo
Mick
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 4:15 a.m.
I wrote this on the previous article/thread, but more people seem to be on this thread, so sorry for the duplicate, I wanted my comment to make a point, especially to the MCC. I feel such a sense of satisfaction for the effort and improvement UM made during the game. -Make big impact plays on Defense, check -Win turnover battle, check -Offense, moved the ball on the ground w/out Denard having to, check -Offense made no turnovers, check -Team only had 1 penalty for five yards, check -Denard being under center and doing play action here and there, check -Offense using over 8 minutes to answer WMU's opening drive and general ball control when needed, check -Hoke being calm and cool and tutoring on the sidelines and not screaming at his players all the time, check I could go on and on. There are some things we need to work on for sure. But can you imagine how well theses guys are gonna play when Hoke and staff really get it going. We have the chance to have a special season, I love it so far. And, if you liked the improvement during the game, you're gonna love the improvement this team makes during the season.
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 4:06 a.m.
Strange weather patterns today. Didn't rain at all north of Ann Arbor until around the time the game was finally canceled. I guess it's hard to make 110,000 people wait outside when the purpose of making them wait is safety. Still, this is one of few weather-shortened football games in NCAA history, let alone the first in Michigan history. Didn't think much of the secondary and the bend-not-break cushions, but I liked the mixing of blitzes after the first quarter. It's a different game without surprise starter Ryan's big tip. Special teams gets a D-. Lots of work to do there, in terms of just getting people on the field, in terms of kickoff coverage. Extra points are somewhat important. Denard wasn't as accurate as I'd like, but made good decisions. He will continue to improve, and not running 20 times per game will keep him healthy and able to throw. Toussaint is going to be a monster for us. It was so nice seeing the team run him with confidence on third and short. They got a big break after a shaky start, but then they did what they should do against a slightly weaker, but competent opponent.
Goofus
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 3:42 a.m.
Nice start. Now let's see them when an actual whole football game.
RWBill
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 2:09 p.m.
They wanted to, it would have been a 40 point victory had they been allowed to play the whole 60.
Mick
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 4:02 a.m.
We were driving the ball down for another TD to make it 41-10. We were getting ready to pour it on, pun intended!
Goofus
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 3:43 a.m.
"win". darn a2dotcom's inability to edit one's own posts. ...sigh.
Tru2Blu76
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 3:11 a.m.
What I saw was Michigan's defense was ineffective early but really picked up by the 2nd half. That's what I expected, since this was the first chance this defense has had to be effective in any of the last 3 seasons. That's a long drought for any player. Hoke and Mattison seem to have turned the defense around - from here on, I think they're going to get better and better. Pressure on the QB improved dramatically as the game went on and the secondary seemed to (finally) realize they had to be within inches, not yards of WMU receivers. I'd say pretty much the same applied to offense in this first game under Hoke. The WMU defense seemed to handle the vaunted Michigan offense w/o much trouble - at first. Michigan's renewed use of running backs showed dividends as time went on (in the heat, humidity and rain): the WMU defense wilted visibly under the ground assault. Michigan clearly had control of the game by the time it was called off. Nothing new here: this all is what Coaches Hoke, Mattison and Borges have been saying they were doing. Nice to see some Michigan coaches proving on the field what they talk about in press conferences. Very-very nice not to hear: "They were fine in practice" after another loss. :-)
Jernel
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 2:29 a.m.
The photo caption has a typo, it is Brandon Herron, not Brandon Gibbons. Though it would be funny to see Brandon Gibbons return an INT 94 yds
Rich Rezler
Sun, Sep 4, 2011 : 4:33 a.m.
Thanks, Jernel. That's been fixed.