Brady Hoke’s hot seat boils, Michigan loses to Rutgers 27-25

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The dark cloud remains over Michigan football and Brady Hoke.  The Wolverines lost to Rutgers 27-25 after a late controversial call by the refs.  Coach Hoke followed that up with a controversial field goal attempt that was ultimately blocked in Michigan’s final drive.

How it happened

Early on Devin Gardner played as well as he has since 2013.  His passes were crisp and on the mark all night.  However, he didn’t get a ton of help from his receivers.

Michigan jumped out to a 10-6 lead early.

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Maurice Hurst blocked an extra point after a busted coverage led to an 80 yard Rutgers touchdown.

Michigan stole a ton of field position when Rutgers drew up an awful fake punt on a late second quarter 4th and 10.  They took advantage as DeVeon Smith ran in a score.

Rutgers scored a late second quarter TD when Frank Clark botched an easy sack.

At that point, the game became groundhog day for Michigan until the fourth quarter.

Michigan’s offense struggled in the third quarter.  Devin Gardner threw an interception and the defense gave up a demoralizing touchdown drive.

Gardner answered with a rushing touchdown of his own to make it 27-25 midway through the 4th quarter.

On their final drive, Amara Darboh made a great 3rd down catch for what appeared to be a first down with 3 minutes to go.  However, the refs ruled it incomplete and denied Michigan’s challenge.

Michigan was faced with a fourth down at the edge of field goal range.  They decided to go for a 56 yard field goal.  Rutgers blocked it and ran out the clock.

Noteworthy Nuggets

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Jabrill Peppers didn’t dress amid rumors he is being benched for arguing with the coaches.  Is it possible the coaches are using injury as a cover-up?

Michigan implemented some tricks to give their offense a spark.  They worked.

An unpredictable tempo helped them keep momentum time and again.

Defensive Tackle Maurice Hurst Jr. played full back to add some beef in the goal line package.

Up Next

Michigan faces off with Penn State at 7pm next Saturday on ESPN2.