Fake punt, big-time completion keys Michigan scoring drive late in half

After racing out to a 14-0 lead against Maryland, Michigan’s offense stalled on a couple of ensuing possessions.

Despite the two-score lead, Michigan’s offense has not looked great at times in the first half. One of the first scores came courtesy of Giles Jackson on a huge kick return to start the game.

It appeared the Wolverines were about to be forced into another quick punt on this drive, but Michigan dialed up a fake. Instead of punting on fourth-and-1 from their own 27-yard line, the Wolverines surprised Maryland with a fake up the gut.

The run easily converted and gave new life to the drive:

Already up 14, Michigan call a fake punt inside it’s own territory. It converted cleanly. pic.twitter.com/re9DAHGRCM

— Paul Harvey 🔨 (@HammerHarvey) November 2, 2019

On the ensuing play, Michigan dialed up a nice play-action pass. Shea Patterson let it fly and connected with Nico Collins deep downfield.

Collins beat his man in a one-on-one situation for a 51-yard grab:

Michigan followed that up with a huge play-action pass to set up another Zach Charbonnet TD. 21-0, Wolverines. https://t.co/p6Kf4XAEok pic.twitter.com/Y535sNEv27

— Paul Harvey 🔨 (@HammerHarvey) November 2, 2019

Those two plays got the drive rolling with Zach Charbonnet capping it off with a second touchdown run. Instead of punting and giving Maryland a chance to cut the lead to one possession, Michigan cashed in another drive and carried a 21-point lead into the break. That sort of swing should be crucial with Maryland set to get the ball after halftime.