Observations on the win over Penn State, 41-17
Michigan converted 6 red zone opportunities into 26 points; Penn State gained 2 red zones for 10 points; the Nittany Lions scored 7 points off one Wolverine turnover.
Michigan pulverized Penn State with an incredible 418 yards rushing with 28 first downs, and was 12 of 18 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. The Wolverines scored points in 8 of their first 9 offensive drives on the afternoon. Blake Corum ran 28 times for 166 yards and 2 TDs plus caught 3 passes for 15 yards. Donovan Edwards ran 16 times for 173 yards and 2 TDs plus caught a 21 yard pass. J.J. McCarthy hit 17 of 24 passes for 145 yards, and ran 7 times for 57 yards. Ronnie Bell caught 5 passes for 39 yards plus a 2 point conversion reception. Cornelius Johnson caught 3 passes for 43 yards. Roman Wilson caught 4 passes for 29 yards. The Wolverines held nearly an 24 minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 28 more offensive plays. Ji'Ayir Brown had 9 tackles to lead the Nittany Lions, and Curtis Jacobs got the tipped pass from Chop Robinson for a 47 yard interception TD.
Defense was outstanding! Penn State gained 268 total yards with 111 on the ground; they were 5 of 16 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with only 10 first downs. Sean Clifford hit 7 of 19 for 120 yards, and ran 6 times for 74 yards including a 62 yarder that led to their first TD. Kaytron Allen ran 6 times for 16 yards and a TD; Nick Singleton ran 6 times for 19 yards. Mitchell Tinsley led their receivers with 5 receptions for 57 yards. Harrison Wallace had 2 catches for 57 yards including a 48 yarder. The defense gave up 2 big plays with the 62 yard scamper by Clifford, and the 48 yard bomb to Wallace, but other than those two mistakes it was a solid defensive effort; they had 2 sacks and 4 quarterback hits with good pressure most of the afternoon. They forced no turnovers, but had a couple almost interceptions; they also forced a field goal in the Nittany Lions final red zone opportunity. Rod Moore and Junior Colson led the defense with 5 tackles each; D.J. Turner, Mazi Smith, Mike Morris, and Kris Jenkins had 4 tackles each.
Special Teams were solid with 4 field goals by Jake Moody, 9 kickoffs with 5 touchbacks, and Moody recorded a tackle on the kickoff team; Penn State only mustered 4 returns by Nick Singleton for 57 yards. A.J. Henning had two kickoff returns for 33 yards. Michigan had no punts. Penn State punted three times, but Henning had only 5 return yards. The Wolverines were flagged for 9 penalties for 61 yards, and Trevor Keegan recovered a Donovan Edwards fumble to cover up another mistake.
Bring on the Spartans after the Bye Week! Go Blue!