Observations on the first half with Penn State, 28-0

Well, you couldn't have scripted it up better! Michigan converted 4 red zones for 28 points. Penn State only crossed midfield once with 4 "three and outs."

Offense gained 14 first downs, 260 net yards, and was 9 of 13 in 3rd and 4th down conversions while dominating time of possession by 9 minutes which resulted in 23 more offensive plays. The Wolverines were not forced into any punts or turnovers. Wilton Speight was 15 of 24 for 152 yards and a TD. DeVeon Smith had 8 carries for 56 yards and a TD plus 2 receptions for 16 yards. Karan Higdon had 6 carries for 27 yards and a TD. Khalid Hill had 2 carries for 2 yards and a TD plus a 15 yard reception. Freshman Devin Asiasi caught his first pass as a Wolverine for a 3 yard TD. Amara Darboh had 4 receptions for 21 yards. Manny Bowen had 6 tackles to lead Penn State.

Defense was solid! We forced the Nittany Lions into four "3 and outs," and held them to 50 net yards with -7 in rushing as they were one of eight in 3rd and 4th down conversions with only 3 first downs. We recorded 6 sacks including 2 by Chris Wormley. Ben Gedeon and Dymonte Thomas led the unit with 4 tackles each. Trace McSorley was 6 of 11 for 57 yards, and Saquon Barkley had 8 carries for 19 yards plus 2 receptions for 47 yards.

Special Teams were good as well. Kenny Allen had 5 kickoffs with a couple of touchbacks and good coverage on the kickoff team. Jabrill Peppers had 2 returns for 54 yards including a 53 yarder.

Drake Johnson, Taco Charlton, Noah Furbush and Jourdan Lewis dressed, and Lewis started. Bryan Mone and Lawrence Marshall are not dressed. Neither Kareem Walker or Shelton Johnson are dressed.

Bring on Wisconsin!!! Go Blue!