3 takeaways from Michigan football’s trap game win at Maryland
By Nick Popio
![Nov 18, 2023; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan Wolverines celebrate the 1000th win in program history after the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports Nov 18, 2023; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan Wolverines celebrate the 1000th win in program history after the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/94f8a539a7dc35667d0fc74ad17807cb4165f82162ff42fa526aa0e3389e668f.jpg)
1. Maryland’s offense ran for a meager 15 yards
Taulia Tagovailoa made the Michigan football defense sweat on Saturday afternoon. He threw for a season-high on the Wolverines’ vaunted defense but turned it over twice to Mike Sainristil.
When the rubber met the road though, Tagovailoa could not break Michigan’s defense. The sacks, turnovers, and safety provided the key plays that ultimately won it for Michigan.
Maryland couldn’t run the ball for the life of them either. Tagovailoa was sacked four times for negative yardage. Roman Hemby was their leading rusher and for a team, they ran for an average of 0.5 yards per carry on 33 carries. That’s a new season low. The defense had some poor moments on Saturday, but they clinched the victory when the time came calling.
Maryland takes the opening drive of the second half and cashes in 💰
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 18, 2023
It's the first points Michigan's defense has given up in the third quarter all season (had been outscoring opponents 117-0).
🎥 @CFBONFOXpic.twitter.com/g2u4HKRzTI
Michigan’s rush offense had a fairly good day. Blake Corum almost posted another 100-yard effort, while tying the single-season rushing record that he will soon own by himself. Donovan Edwards was held to a measly 40 yards. He is not breaking contact like he did in the last three games of 2022. Michigan’s offense is going to need that version of Edwards to beat Ohio State next week.