Grade the Wolverines: Rate Michigan's performance against Northwestern

Offense

The Wolverines gained 541 total yards and scored 42 points, but there is still some concern about Denard Robinson’s passing. The junior quarterback threw three first-half interceptions, but redeemed himself by being sharp when he most needed to. He was 9-for-12 passing in the second half and completed 7-of-8 passes for 148 yards on third-down plays. Along with his game-high 117 rushing yards, Robinson accounted for 454 yards, or 84 percent of the Wolverines’ total output.

Defense

After allowing touchdown-scoring drives of 63, 80 and 82 yards in the first half, the Michigan defense tightened up in the second half. Northwestern gained 139 yards after halftime, 79 of that on its meaningless last drive. While Michigan was scoring on four of its five second-half possessions, Northwestern punted once, was intercepted by Brandin Hawthorne, lost a fumble to Gordon Thomas and was stopped on downs when Jordan Kovacs sacked Dan Persa on a fourth-down play.

Special teams

Small samples to work with here: Brendan Gibbons had his only field goal attempt (a 37-yarder) blocked, Will Hagerup only punted once (38 yards) and Michigan did not return a punt. Northwestern’s average starting position after seven Michigan kickoffs was its own 22-yard-line.

Coaching

Second-half adjustments? Something happened in the locker room at halftime. The Wolverines outscored Northwestern 28-0 and now have a 114-21 cumulative advantage in the second halves of six wins this season. Offensive coordinator Al Borges continued to expand his playbook.

Overall