Posted on Oct. 13
In what was certainly its most impressive performance to date, the Michigan football team trounced Purdue 48-21 Saturday afternoon at Michigan Stadium.
The Wolverines (3-0 Big Ten, 5-2 Overall) translated three first-half turnovers into 21 points, scoring quickly on all three drives.
Mario Manningham led the charge with eight catches for 147 yards and two first-half scores. Mike Hart paced the ground game with 102 yards and a pair of touchdowns, both of which also happened in the opening stanza.
Hart injured his ankle late in the first half and didn’t return. By halftime, though, the Wolverines already had a 31-7 lead and could coast to victory.
Hart wouldn’t speculate on his availability for next weekends matchup at Illinois (running backs coach Fred Jackson confirmed it was an ankle sprain). The Heisman Trophy candidate returned to the sideline in the second half in street clothes and walked on his own power.
Purdue (1-2, 5-2) scored 14 of its 21 points in the game’s final minutes, capitalizing on a pair of successful onside kicks.
With Illinois’ 10-6 loss to Iowa, Michigan and Ohio State stand alone atop the Big Ten standings. The Buckeyes are expected to be the nation’s No. 1 team following losses to both No. 1 Louisiana State and No. 2 California.
For more comprehensive coverage of Saturday’s win and an update on Mike Hart’s ankle status, check the Daily’s SportsWednesday edition.