Observations on the win over Penn State, 24-15
Michgan scored 10 points in two red zones although it was really 17 points in three red zones as the Edwards TD came on a drive that began at the 21; Penn State scored 15 points in three red zone trips, and the Wolverines scored 3 points off one Nittany Lion turnover. Michigan dodged "a bullet" when Corum fumbled early, but he recovered his own fumble forced by Abdul Carter.
Offense did not have a great day, but they did enough to stay ahead most of the day for the win! Offense only came up with 287 yards with 227 on the ground with only 15 first downs; they only converted 7 of 14 on 3rd and 4th down. J.J. McCarthy hit 7 of 8 passes for 60 yards, but did not throw a pass in the second half. McCarthy ran 8 times for 34 yards after a sack. Blake Corum ran 26 times for 145 yards and 2 TDs; the offensive line made adjustments in the game and Sherrone Moore again proved to be a genius. Donovan Edwards ran 10 times fore 52 yards including a 22 yard TD. Cornelius Johnson had 2 catches for 24 yards. Semaj Morgan had 2 catches for 17 yards. Colston Loveland had 2 catches for 7 yards. A.J. Barner had one catch for 12 yards. Roman Wilson had no catches. Time of possession favored the Wolverins by 6:30, and Penn State ran 4 more offensive plays. Kevin Winston led Penn State with 12 tackles; Kalen King had 9 tackles.
Defense held Penn State to 238 yards with 164 on the ground with 17 first downs; they were 6 of 17 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Drew Allar hit 10 of 22 for 70 yards, and rushed 10 times for 49 yards and a TD; he also caught a 4 yard pass. Kaytron Allen had 12 carries for 72 yards, and completed a 4 yard pass. Nick Singleton had 13 carries for 43 yards. Theo Johnson caught a late TD pass after the game outcome was decided late in the 4th quarter. Makari Paige and Rod Moore led the Wolverines with 6 tackles each. Michael Barrett and Jaylen Harrell had 5 tackles each. Kenneth Grant has been incredible with 4 tackles including a TD saver in the first half. Rayshaun Benny had 3 tackles and forced the BIG fumble turnover that Makari Paige recovered. Will Johnson had two pass break ups including one on a two point conversion.
Special Teams were outplayed by Penn State as Riley Thompson punted 5 times for a 49 yard average, and one downed at the 3 yard line; however, special teams weren't the difference in this game, and our offense was able to reverse field position difficulties. Tommy Doman also punted 5 times for a 39.2 yard average with one downed inside the 20. Jake Thaw had 3 punt returns for 7 yards. James Franklin made a real stupid move by going for 2 twice and missing both tries; he also went for a 4th and 6 with 4:16 to go while most Division I coaches would have punted. Michigan took 6 penalties for 50 yards.
Bring on the Terrapins! Go Blue!