Observations on the First Half with Penn State, 14-0

Michigan converted one red zone opportunity for 7 points, and gained 7 points off one Nittany Lion turnover. Penn State gained no red zone, but almost got into scoring position late in the first half; McSorley missed a wide open receiver after Brandon Watson fell down for a sure TD.

Offense gained 10 first downs, 210 net yards on 37 plays, and converted 5 of 12 3rd and 4th down conversions. Shea Patterson was 5 of 9 for 95 yards and a TD, and gained 8 yards on 6 carries for another TD. Karan Higdon gained 99 yards on 14 carries. Nico Collins caught 2 passes for 53 yards including a 47 yarder. Donovan Peoples-Jones also caught 2 passes for 31 yards including a 23 yard TD. The 10 minute time of possession advantage resulted in 13 more offensive plays for the Wolverines.

Defense held Penn State to 6 first downs, and one of 5 in 3rd down conversions; they have been forced into 5 punts and a turnover on a fumble by Miles Sanders and a recovery by Chase Winovich. Trace McSorley was 5 of 10 for 83 yards, but was sacked 4 times; he gained -19 yards in 9 carries as a result. The Nittany Lions had -8 net yards rushing in the first half. Defense was led by Devin Bush with 4 tackles, and Josh Uche with 2 sacks.

Special Teams had a field goal by Quinn Nordin blocked. Donovan Peoples-Jones had a 28 yard punt return. Ben Mason got a tackle on a kickoff at the 23, and Justin Moody had 2 touchbacks in 3 attempts.

Second Half needs to be more intense for Michigan! We need to come out with fire, and put them away early in the 3rd quarter! Don't let them back in the game with turnovers! Go Blue!