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5 things we learned in Michigan Football’s win over Maryland

By Chris Peterson

Nov 20, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) celebrates with teammates after scoring a during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) celebrates with teammates after scoring a during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Special teams were special

Maryland actually could have hung around in this game. There were some strange coaching decisions such as electing for a long field goal instead of fourth and four early in the game, as well as a number of head-scratching penalties in the red zone.

But the Terps had chances early in the game. Michigan jumped out to a 14-0 lead but Maryland kicked a field goal after a 17-play drive and seemed to have some life. It got the ball back in good field position down 14-3 but after a three-and-out, Matt Torey made the play of his life.

The special teamer laid out and blocked Maryland’s punt, giving Michigan the ball on Maryland’s side of the field. And after a four-play drive led by McCarthy, which ended on the touchdown pass to Sainristil, U-M led 21-3 and that was all she wrote.

All year long, the special teams have been a strength and Jay Harbaugh has done an outstanding job. He also scouted a touchdown as Michael Barrett found A.J. Henning on a pass back on a kick return which led to a 70-yard return.

Jake Moody wasn’t that busy, except for PATs and he made them all while Brad Robbins continued to prove he’s the Big Ten’s best punter.

The special teams were great and the game would have been much closer without those impact plays which each happened right as Maryland was gaining momentum.

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