Observations on the win over Penn State, 28-16

Michigan scored 21 points off 4 red zone trips; Penn State could only manage 9 points in 3 red zone opportunities. The Nittany Lions converted 10 points off a Wolverines turnover, and a blocked punt; Michigan scored 7 points off one Penn State turnover.

Offense gained 343 net yards, 19 first downs, and was 7 of 14 in 3rd down conversions. Jake Rudock was 25 of 38 for 256 yards and 2 TDs. We held nearly a 7 minute time of possesion advantage which resulted in 14 more offensive plays. Amara Darboh caught 7 for 68 yards and a TD, Jake Butt caught 5 for 66 yards and a TD, and Jehu Chesson caught 4 passes for 69 yards plus had a 20 yard run. Brandon Bell returned the interception 25 yards for the Nittany Lions, and forced a fumble. Marcus Allen led Penn State with 11 tackles.

Defense held Penn State to 207 net yards, 14 first downs, and only 4 of 16 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. We have forced them into 6 punts with 4 "3 and outs." James Ross and Chris Wormley were the tackle leaders with 5 each. We sacked Christian Hackenberg 5 times, twice by Wormley and Taco Charlton and once by Willie Henry. Hackenberg was only 13 of 31 for 137 yards including a 25 yard TD to Saeed Blackwell over Jabrill Peppers. Saquon Barkley ended the game with 15 carries for 68 yards after a 56 yarder to set up their red zone on the second play of the game with a TD saving tackle from Jarrod Wilson; Wilson had 2 TD saving tackles the resulted in two red zone stops for only 6 points instead of 14. Chris Godwin caught a 38 yarder on a 4th and 10 to set up their final red zone.

Special Teams really messed up with punt block, but Jourdan Lewis ran a 55 yard kickoff return with the score, 21-16, to set up the offense for the score that put the proverbial dagger in the heart. Jehu Chesson recovered a fumble of a muffed punt return that set up a red zone TD. Kenny Allen did a solid job on kickoffs, and Blake O'Neill had a better second half nailing 3 punts inside the 20. Penalties continue to kill us, 13 penalties for 117 yards including 4 by Willie Henry while the Nittany Lions committed only 3 penalties.

Bring on the Buckeyes! We promise to be hospitable hosts! We beat the Buckeyes, and we'll finish 10-2 with a chance for a New Year's Day Bowl. Go Blue!

Observations on the first half with Penn State Box Score Post Game Press Conference Highlights

Harbaugh Press Conference for Penn State Players (Game Notes and Depth Chart for Penn State)