Observations on the loss to Penn State, 31-41!
Penn State earned six red zones for 31 points, and Michigan earned three red zones for 17 points. Neither team turned the ball over.
Denard Robinson was 11 of 23 for 190 yards, and one TD plus 27 carries 191 yards and 3 TDs. Offense had 423 net yards, 19 first downs, and was 7 of 16 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Penn State forced our offense into three three and outs, and while they gave up yards in the second half; they managed our one-dimensional offense when they needed to. Michael Mauti had 10 tackles to lead the Nittany Lion defense.
Defense has allowed the worst offense in the Big Ten a total of 435 net yards, 27 first downs, four red zone touchdowns and 12 of 18 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Matt McGloin, their 2nd string quarterback, was 17 of 28 for 250 yards and a TD plus he ran for another TD. Evan Royster was unstoppable, and had 150 yards in 29 carries for 2 TDs. Penn State rolled up a 15 minute time of possession advantage by pounding our defense. It looks like Coach Rod's defensive changes haven't helped the defense much. Kenny Demens and Jonas Mouton led the Wolverine defense with 12 tackles each, and Jordan Kovacs contributed 11 tackles.
Seth Broekhuizen nailed his only field goal attempt. Jeremy Gallon had a better second half performance, but only averaged 6 yards per punton two punt returns and 25 yards per return on 6 kickoff returns. Penn State's special teams were superior with two field goals, numerous deep kickoffs, great kickoff coverage and much better net punting with Anthony Fera and Collin Wagner.
Michigan will hobble home after having two weeks to prepare for the humiliation at Happy Valley, and face a rugged Fighting Illini. I don't like our chances to win next week with the team and coaching staff we presently have. Then, we'll go to Purdue with a chance to be bowl eligible with a win. We will finish the season with sure losses at home with Wisconsin and at Columbus for a 5-7 or 6-6 campaign. Enough is enough, let's find a way to persuade David Brandon to give Jim Harbaugh's agent a call. The style of football that Coach Rod and his staff offers will never win in the Big Ten. I guess we'll just have to do a better job "executing."
Coach Rod Postgame in Happy Valley
Observations on the first half with Penn State
Coach Rod Press Conference for Penn State (Steve Schilling, Denard Robinson and Vincent Smith)
Depth Chart for Penn State (Game Notes and Penn State Games Notes for Michigan)