Observations on the win over Penn State, 18-13

Penn State earned 3 red zones for 13 points in the first half, but none in the second half. Michigan came up with two second half red zones, and converted one for 3 points while adding a second field goal and a safety for an 8 point comeback to come up with a needed Big Ten win. The Nittany Lions scored 7 points off another "ugly" Gardner turnover while Michigan scored 3 points to tie the game off a Hackenburg turnover.

Offense gained 256 net yards with Gardner hitting 16 of 24 for 192 yards and a TD. We had 12 first downs, and were 6 of 16 on 3rd and 4th down conversions. We only had 64 yards net rushing led by Deveon Smith's 24, Justice Hayes with 20, and Devin Garder with 18. Amara Darboh had 4 catches for 66 yards; Devin Funchess caught 7 for 69 yards and a TD. Mike Hull had 11 tackles including a sack to lead Penn State.

Defense gave up 214 net yards on 68 plays, but the biggest thing was that they gave up no second half big plays and didn't allow the Nittany Lions near the red zone for even a field goal attempt. Penn State was 6 of 20 in 3rd and 4th down conversions, and only netted 54 yards in rushing as we shut their running game down in the second half. Bill Belton had 14 carries for 69 yards. Christian Hackenburg was 21 of 32 for 160 yards and a TD. Penn State held a 3:30 time of possession advantage which gave them 11 more offensive plays, but they couldn't capitalize on it. Jake Ryan led the defense with 10 tackles; Jarrod Wilson was in on 8 tackles, and Frank Clark had 7 tackles including a sack at the one yard line to end the final Nittany Lion drive. Brennan Beyer, Ben Gedeon, and Mario Ojemudia also had one sack each, and Jourdan Lewis had 5 tackles plus an interception that allowed the offense the opportunity to tie the game.

Matt Wile hit three of three field goal attempts to give the Wolverines the win! We looked bad on a punt return that went for 26 yards, but it was called back for a block in the back. We also dodged a bullet when Penn State was called for offside on an onside kick that they recovered; the re-kick was recovered by Blake Countes.

We have a Bye Week and will prepare to take on Michigan State in East Lansing in two weeks! It was a great team effort to win this one in the second half!!! Go Blue!

Brady Hoke Post-Game Press Conference Box Score and Player Participation Highlights

Observations on the first half with Penn State

Hoke Presser on October 8 

Press Conference for Penn State-October 6: Brady Hoke, Greg Mattison, Doug Nussmeier