By the numbers: Three key stats that have hurt Michigan football

For the first time since a two-game stretch last November (versus Penn State and Maryland ), Michigan Wolverines football has gone back-to-back outings producing less than 300 yards, with 269 in a win over Fresno State and 284 in a loss to Texas .

The Wolverines have struggled to move the ball and put up points through two weeks, with more made field goals (5) than touchdowns (4). One of the touchdowns, too, was an 86-yard pick-six by junior cornerback Will Johnson in the opener.

Here are three key stats that (in part) display why the Wolverines have gotten off to a slow start to the year.

1. Third-down conversions (on both sides of the ball)

Michigan has failed to effectively play complementary football, with a 30.4-percent third-down conversion rate. As a result, the Wolverines’ defense has spent a lot of time on the field, averaging 64.5 plays per game to the offense’s 59.5.

In the first half against Texas, the Longhorns possessed the ball for nearly two thirds of game time (19:06) compared to U-M’s 10:54. They ran 45 plays with 15 first downs, contrasted by just 21 offensive snaps for the Maize and Blue.

The Michigan defense didn’t do its job in getting off the field. The Longhorns were 8-for-10 in the first half and 10-of-16 for the game on third down. By the time Michigan started to have success in that area, Texas had already built a 24-3 halftime edge.

2. Lack of explosive plays

Having an effective offense isn’t just about moving down the field bit by bit. The best attacks have an element of explosiveness to them, and Michigan hasn’t been able to get that going thus far.

Michigan has just 17 plays of 10-plus yards, ranking tied for 122nd in the nation. The Wolverines have only 6 of 20-plus yards (tied for 94th) and 1 of 30-plus (tied for 120th). They’re also one of 16 teams in the FBS without a play that’s gone for a 40-plus-yard gain.

3. Field position battle

Michigan has struggled to win the field position battle, for a myriad of reasons. On average, opponents are starting drives on their own 33.3-yard line, while Michigan is beginning on its own 26.3.

Last week against Texas, the Longhorns began in Michigan territory four times. They also had possessions that began on their own 44- and 41-yard lines.

Michigan, on the other hand, started in enemy territory twice versus Fresno State, but its best starting position against Texas was at its own 31-yard line. That drive ended with an interception.

The turnovers themselves have been an issue, with Michigan senior quarterback Davis Warren throwing 3 interceptions and junior tight end Colston Loveland losing a fumble. It’s impacted the field position battle, time of possession and much more.

Arkansas State looking for first-ever win against Big Ten opponent

Michigan has one more nonconference game before beginning the Big Ten slate with a challenging test against USC , which is 2-0 and will be coming off a bye.

Arkansas State, this Saturday’s homecoming opponent, is 0-10 against the Big Ten, with all of those contests coming on the road. Four of the losses, though, have been one-score games.

Michigan, meanwhile, is 1-0 against the Sun Belt, with the lone win coming over Appalachian State , 52-14, at The Big House Aug. 30, 2014.

Arkansas State is 2-0 for the first time since 2008, notching victories over Central Arkansas (34-31) and Tulsa (28-24).

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