Jordan Marshall opened "The Game" with a 36-yard run. He had another 22-yard run on the Wolverines second drive, but had just one carry after that.
Following those first two drives with field goals, Marshall exited the game with an apparent shoulder injury. He hasn't been back yet. Max Bredeson hasn't either.
Marshall got four carries for 61 yards. It's hard not to imagine what could have been for the Cincinnati, Ohio, native who averaged 15 yards per carry in the first quarter before his injury. Bryson Kuzal, the third running back, has 10 carries for 38 yards. Michigan football has 108 rushing yards compared to 76 for Ohio State.
However, it's hard to see how they can keep handing it off. The Buckeyes took a 17-9 lead into the half, although Ohio State was gifted a touchdown. Jeremiah Smith lost possession of the ball. It should have been a touchback, not a touchdown.
So instead of 10-9 for Ohio State, best case, it's 17-9. The Wolverines will need a stop to start the half. They can't get down two scores, but Bryce Underwood isn't trusting his protection, is missing open receivers (not seeing them), and was 3-for-5 in the first half for 16 yards.
What's making matters worse is that Max Bredeson is out, too, or appears to be. It's going to be an uphill climb for the Wolverines. Bryce will need to play better in the second half. The defense will, too, although it would help if the best players were on the field.