Observations on the first half with Penn State, 10-13

Penn State earns 3 red zones for 13 points; Michigan cannot maintain a drive for a red zone, but comes up with a big play 43 yard TD pass to Funchess and a field goal. The Nittany Lions score 7 points off another "ugly" Gardner turnover.

Offense gained 142 net yards with Gardner hitting 11 of 13 for 138 yards. No running game at all with only 4 net yards. We had 7 first downs, and were 4 of 6 on 3rd down conversion. Amara Darboh had 4 catches for 66 yards; Devin Funchess caught 4 for 52 yards and a TD. Mike Hull had 7 tackles to lead Penn State.

Defense gave up 149 net yards on 33 plays, but the biggest thing is that Penn State ran for 55 yards and gained 10 first downs. Penn State was 4 of 9 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Bill Belton had 8 carries for 55 yards. Christian Hackenburg was 11 of 15 for 94 yards and a TD. Jarrod Wilson was in on 6 tackles, Brennan Beyer, Ben Gedeon, and Mario Ojemudia got one sack each, but the lack of stopping the run game led to a 3 minute time of possession advantage which resulted in 9 more offensive plays for the Nitts.

Special Teams were about even, but Penn State did kick two field goals to our one. Both teams were forced into one punt each, and neither team looked good on kickoff returns.

Second Half will be close unless we turn the ball over. Go Blue!