Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan • 50

Mirhinan 30. Iowa 17 12D The Detroit News Sunday, September 26, 2004 SUMMARY off erase -filially clicks U-M KPT fS 'A work in progress that made the turnovers count early, and that might be the building block Coach Lloyd Carr was looking for starting conference play. "I think Chad Henne took another big step todayf Carr said of his freshman starter, who finished 16 of 26 for 236 yards with no interceptions. "We're getting better," Edwards said. "We've got two new guys on offense a freshman running back and a freshman quarterback but once everything gets in sync and we're back to the offense of old we'll be destroying teams." You can reach John Niyo at jniyodetnewsom.

feet again with a diving interception at the Iowa 4a Again, it was a pass play that set up another score for the suddenly rejuvenated offense. On the first play from scrimmage after the turnover, Henne found Edwards coming across the middle on a slant route in stride, this time and the senior took it 38 yards to the goal line. Henne's i-yard sneak on the next play made it 167, and those two touchdowns in a span of barely 90 seconds proved decisive. An opportunistic defense made sure of that, forcing turnovers to end three successive Iowa possessions in the second half But it was the offease still very much a I Ienne dropped back, looked to his right and sent a deep ball that Edwards (six receptions, 150 yards) grabbed over the top of Iowa cor-nerback Jovan Johnson. Edwards strolled into the end zone from there for a 58-yard touchdown and a 10-7 U-M lead.

"All week long all season long Tve just told Chad to throw it out there, and that's exactly what he did," said Edwards, who moved up to No. 2 on U-M's all-time receiving charts Saturday. Then Edwards added with a nod of his head: "Now we're gettin' somewhere." Four plays later, the Wolverines' Imn I till brought the crowd and the U-M offense to its highlights Henne, the freshman quarterback, had completed 7 of pass attempts for 80 yards, but a handful of errant throws had the fans grumbling and left his receivers shaking their heads. A revamped offensive line wasn't faring much better, producing little in the way of running room for freshman Mike I lart, while allowing a pair of early sacks. But then, after the Michigan defense forced a fumble with 8:36 remaining in the half, the U-M bench sprang to life.

So, too, did the offense, if only for one brief, exhilarating stretch for the crowd of 111,428 at Michigan Stadium. Henne brings life to team with deep passes to Edwards. By John Niyo The Detroit News ANN ARBOR Braylon Edwards sat slump-shouldered on the Michigan bench, not speaking a word. Crutd Henne sat nearby, staring straight ahead In between them, a half-dozen members of the offense also sat mostly in silence. Midway through the second quarter of Saturday's Big Ten opener, there simply wasn't much to talk about for the U-M offease: Three drives, three points, and few, if any, David Guralnick The Detroit News Freshman quarterback Chad Henne scored one touchdown and threw for another in Michigan's victory.

U-M Notebook David Guranidt The Otroit News Michigan Coach Lloyd Can-saw his defense cause five turnovers against Iowa. Michigan leads the nation in forcing turnovers. Baas takes ceeter stage Scoring summary 17 30 7 0 3 0 16 7 Iowa Michigan g. Ed Hinkel 2 pass from Drew Tate with 11:31 led Kyle Schlicher kick. Drive: 75 yards, 7 plays, Key play: Tony Jackson 24 pass from Tate on first play from scrimmage.

Iowa 7, Michigan 0. leroMQUMrra U-M Garrett Rivas 46 lekl goal with 13:59 left Drive: 35 yards. 11 plays. 4:49 Key play: Michael Hart 7 run on third-down conversion to Ul 21. Iowa 7, Michigan 3.

U-M Braylon Edwards 58 pass from Chad Herre with 8:28 left. Rivas kick. Drive: 58 yards, 1 play. :08. Key play: Ernest Shazor recovery of Hinkel fumble.

Michigan 10, Iowa 7. U-M Heme 1 run with 6:21 left. Kick failed Drive: 40 yards. 2 plays, :32 Key play: Leon Hall interception of Drew Tate at Iowa 40. Michigan 16, Iowa 7.

JmroguAUTHI U-l Schlicher 25 field goal with 9:56 left. Drive: 79 yards. 9 plays. 3:27. Michigan lfi, Iowa 10.

U-M Hart 7 run with 09 left Rivas kick. Drive: 23 yards. 2 plays. 138. Key play: Scott McClin-tock recovery of Drew Tate fumble at Iowa 23.

Michigan 23, Iowa 10. U-M Grant Mason 25 interception return. Rivas kick. Michigan 30, Iowa 10. U-l Hinkel 10 pass from Tate with 7:28 left.

Schlicher kick. Drive: 80 yards, 10 plays. 4:16. Key play: Michigan personal foul on fourth down, giving Iowa a first down at the U-M 10. Michigan 30, Iowa 17.

Attendance: 111.428. Team statistics 16 2 11 3 313 01 FIRST DOWNS Total Rushing Passing Penalty 3rd down eff. 4th-down eff. KUSHHW -NoAds Avg. njsh PASSING a' 1 2815 3224 2 8.4 430 270 255 U-M 'I 18 5 10 3 614 00 i 3993 2.4 i 1 2616 0 9.1 418 236 329 646.0 0 350 10 225 562 00 32:15 AttTCmps Interceptions Avg.

per pass SackedYds lost Passing yards Total yards NaAvg. Had blocked Kick returnsyds. Punt returnsyds. Int. returnsyds.

Penaltiesyds. fumblestost Time of poss. 440.5 0 586 224 00 948 00 27:45 Iowa statistics Yds Avg Lg 35 2.5 14 0 0.0 3 49 5 Crop Yds TO 2i 270 2 Art 14 2 11 Att 32 MJSHHM Lewis Mickens Tate MSSINfl Tate 0 0 0 2 Continued from Page iD Through four games Michigan has scored 79 of its U7 points off turnovers. "Our defense was absolutely magnificent," Michigan Coach Lloyd Carr said. The key to being a great defensive team, in my judgment, is stopping the run, and we did that.

We had good pressure and, of course, five turnovers you're going to wia" Iowa, which entered the game with the second-worst rushing offense in the Big Ten Michigan was last had minus-15 yards rushing. Quarterback Drew Tate lost 49 yards on the ground. Tate was 24-032 passing for 270 yards but for the second straight week, he was under constant pressure and took four sacks. He was intercepted twice. "We didn't do a very good job of protecting the footbaU," Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz said.

"Obviously, they had something to do with that, the way they play defense. We have great respect for Michigan's ability to create turnovers. Agaia it's not us helping them out; they help themselves" Michigan's offease took another step toward improvement against Iowa a short field often helps in that regard but the Wolverines' offensive players are quick to recognize the power of the defense. "Our defense is definitely carrying the load, their load, if not more this year," Michigan senior receiver Braylon Edwards said. "They're providing us with so many turnovers, so many opportunities, especially in the red zone, it's unreal" Michigan had 329 yards of offense, including 93 rushing, against Iowa.

Freshman quarterback Chad Henne started slowly, but he seemed more relaxed and productive as the game progressed. Henne was i6-of-26 for 236 yards and a touchdown, a 58-yarder to Edwards in the second quarter to give Michigan its first lead, 10-7. It was an athletic catch in which Edwards jumped over Iowa defensive back Jovon Johnson to get the footbalL Carr called it the biggest play of the game. "I just told Chad to put the ball out there, and let me make a play on it," Edwards said. Michigan led 16-7 at halftime, but just as Iowa did on the opening possession of the game, the Hawkeyes scored on their first drive of the second half, this time on a 25-yard field goal to pull within 16-10.

Michigan, which scored two first-half touchdowns off two turnovers converted yet again on an Iowa mistake. Tate fumbled and linebacker Scott McClintock recovered, giving the Wolverines possession at the Iowa 23. Hart scored his first career touchdown on a 7-yard run, expanding U-M's lead to 23-10 with nine seconds left in the third quarter. On Iowa's next series, linebacker Roy Manning forced a fumble by tailback Jermelle Lewis and recovered it at the Iowa 29. Hart rushed 17 yards to the end zone, but fumbled and Iowa recovered for a touchback.

Michigan's defense came on strong again on Iowa's ensuing drive. Lewis was hammered for a 9-yard loss and on the next play, Tate was intercepted by Grant Mason, who returned it 25 yards for a touchdown and a 30-10 lead early in the fourth quarter. "We were in zone coverage, and I was looking at the quarterback," Mason said. "I saw him look my way, he let it go, and all I saw from there was the ball, and I just grabbed it and headed up the sidelines and picked up a i couple really key bkxzks. Once 1 got inside the 5, 1 felt somebody (Roy Manning) grab hold of me and kind of throw me into the end zone." RECtlVINO NO Lg By Angelique S.

Chengelis The Detroit News ANN ARBOR In an effort to bolster Michigan's running game, there has been further tweaking of the offensive line. Fifth-year senior co-captain David Baas, who had made 30 straight starts at left guard, made his first career start at center for the Wolverines in a Big Ten opener against Iowa on Saturday. He replaced Mark BihL who had started the first three games. Baas had worked at the position during spring practices. Baas, who is o-foot-5, 323 pounds, is an Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award candidate.

"Whatever the team needs that's what I'm going to do," Baas said. "If they want to continue to play me at center, I'm going to do that." Baas said he was a bit surprised by the request. I ie practiced at center last week, but he was not certain the position switch would materialize. "It was a move that I was not exactly expecting, but I knew about it, and I had to be prepared for it and I had to step up when I was called oa" Baas said. This is the third offensive-line combination the Wolverines have used this seasoa They entered the game against Iowa last in the league in rushing offense, averaging 106.3 yards.

Wi'Baas at center, Leo Henige, who has competed with Bihl for the starting job at center, made his first start at left guard. "This allows us get really a very stmng, powerful line," Michigan Coach Lloyd Carr said. "We have to run the ftxrtball here to be effective. David at center, he worked there all summer, and I just think that enables us to get a lineup in there that is very, very physical and is going to get movement and knock people off the ball." A week ago against San Diego State, redshirt freshman Jake Ixing made his first career start at right tackle, replacing Mike Kolodziej, who started the first two games. Long started against Iowa The Wolverines who seemed to find some life in their running game against San Diego State, still faltered on the ground against Iowa, totaling 93 yards on 39 carries.

But running against the Hawkeyes is tough they entered the game leading the Big Ten and were ranked fourth nationally in rushing defense, yielding an average of 43 yards. Hart the starter? Sophomore Jerome Jackson started for the second straight week at tailback, but also for the second straight game, freshman Michael Hart was the spark for the Wolverines' running game. I lart had 99 yards on 26 carries and scored his first career touchdown. Will he be the starter? "I thought he was really good in there," Carr said. "I like him.

We have to see, but he took a big step (toward the starting job), and I think he can handle it, no question about that." Forcing the turnovers Michigan continues to lead the nation in turnovers. The Wolverines have forced 19 after four games adding three fumbles and two interceptions against knva. Leon Hall who made his first start of the season at comerback, intercepted Iowa quarterback Drew Tate in the second quarter, giving the Wolverines their 10th interception of the seasoa vvjhich 35 23 24 13 15 12 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ml 45 ttts 89 64 61 20 19 14 3 162 Yds 24 7 4 4 3 2 2 2 No 4 No' 2 Hinkel Solomon Jackson Lewis Holloway Mickens Chandler PUNTUM Bradley PUNT RET. Belleus La 17 rv 0 0 td 0 KICK REX No Belleus 5 86 21 tACKUS Soto-;" A John T. Greiikk The Detroit News Tot 10 10 7 6 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 Sack 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Greenway Hodge Roth Allen Bablneaux Merrick Lewis Johnson Paschal Luebke Robinson Considine Brevl Ejiasi Belleus U-M's LaMarr Woodley jumps on defensive back Grant Mason after Mason returned an Interception for a touchdown.

2 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 -None. 4 i Bergan kj Mined Held goals I I Michigan statistics 38 16 0 Hart 26 99 Jackson 2 5 Bracken 1 4 Breaston 1 2 25 40 2.0 19 7 -13 fASSINO 'jAtt tmp Herme 26 16 tfcawM SiT Edwards 6 150 i li Avant Breaston Hart Ecker Gonzales the nickel back against San Diego State. Curry did not play Saturday. Inside linebacker David Harris made his first start, replacing Scott McClintock, who is still hobbled by an ankle injury suffered against San Diego State. Carr was informed last Monday that McClintock would not be healthy enough to play, but McClintock spent most of the week getting treatment and did play against Iowa.

He had two tackles and a fumble recovery. Honor roll Harry Atkins, a sportswriter with Detroit's Associated Press bureau for 29 years, including 21 as sports editor, was inducted into Michigan's Media Hall of Fame on Saturday. Atkins' photograph now hangs on the Michigan Stadium press-box wall with the other inductees. Michigan honored its 1954 and 1964 teams during the game. Before the game, Michigan athletes who participated in the Olympics in Athens, Greece, were honored.

You can reach Aligelique S. 1 4 I bfa 6 276 r-irrtey John T. Greifick The Detmit News Michigan's Braylon Edwards stretches for one of his six receptions. Edwards totaled 150 yards, a season high. 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 TD 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 TD 0 TD 0 0 7 7 6 6 5 1 1 1 Breaston 1 Breaston 2 40 Tabb 1 10 Yd TO 236 1 58 15 7 12 8 4 Mt 54 28 10 i 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 Manning Shazor Harrif Watson MunoV Woodtey Hatl Mason fted McCKntodi BurrjMS CwnobeK Jackson Kicking kinks Sophomore kicker Garrett Rivas, who missed two field-goal attempts against San Diego State, gave Michigan its first points on a 46-yard field goal at the start of the second quarter.

Rivas, who made all four field-goal attempts against tre Dame, is now 2-for-2 fn the 41 r-49-yard range. I Ie did, however, miss an extra-pint attempt in the first half when also is tops in the nation Hall's interception set up Michigan's second touchdown drive that gave the Wolverines a 16-7 lead. Linebacker Lawrence Reid, who scored on a fumble recovery against San Diego State, forced a fumble in the second quarter against Iowa. Ernest Shazor recovered, setting up the Wolverines' first touchdown drive of the game. the fixitball bounded off the left upright.

Rivas has missed three extra-point attempts this seasoa all at Michigan Stadium. "I lis fixrt, as he swung through to kick the ftxtball, he kicked the turf before he got to the ball," Carr said. "It's one of those things that happens." Other starts of note I till replaced Markus Curry as a starter against Iowa Hall was Chengelis at achmgelis Mneedfi, LL.