Shock In Ann Arbor with Poor Defensive Play

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP)  Even the biggest Michigan fans might

have expected the Wolverines' offense to struggle at times, but the

defense's problems were a surprise.

Michigan's defense had a dreadful first half in Saturday's 25-23

loss to visiting Utah.

Most observers expected the defense to keep Michigan in games

while the offense learned new coach Rich Rodriguez's system

The Utes managed just 28 yards of offense and two first downs in

the second half.

But the dominated in the first half, streaking to a 22-10

intermission lead after gaining 313 total yards.

Rodriguez says it was an ``awful'' first half.

The Wolverines host Miami of Ohio on Saturday.