Observations on the win over Penn State, 49-10
Michigan converted 6 red zones for 42 points, and scored 7 points off two Nittany Lion turnovers. Penn State gained 10 points off two second half red zones.
Offense rolled to 25 first downs, 515 net yards, 326 on the ground, and was 13 of 20 in 3rd and 4th down conversions while dominating time of possession by over 13 minutes which resulted in 29 more offensive plays. The Wolverines had no turnovers, and were only forced into one punt. Wilton Speight was 21 of 34 for 189 yards and a TD. DeVeon Smith had 12 carries for 107 yards and a TD plus 3 receptions for 16 yards. Karan Higdon had 9 carries for 81 yards and 2 TDs including a 40 yarder. Chris Evans had 8 carries for 56 yards and a TD. Ty Isaac had 11 carries for 74 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 7 receptions for 44 yards. Jake Butt had 4 catches for 42 yards. Malik Golden had 11 tackles, and Cam Brown had 10 tackles to lead Penn State.
Defense forced the Nittany Lions into six "3 and outs," and held them to 12 first downs, 191 net yards, and they were 4 of 15 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 6 punts, 2 turnovers, and two 4th down stops. We recorded 6 sacks including 2 each by Chris Wormley and Taco Charlton. Ben Gedeon had 11 tackles, and Dymonte Thomas had 8 stops to lead the defense. Trace McSorley was 16 of 27 for 121 yards with one TD and one interception; Saquon Barkley had 15 carries for 59 yards plus 5 receptions for 77 yards.
Special Teams were not a factor, but Jabrill Peppers had 2 returns for 54 yards including a 53 yarder on his first attempt. Kenny Allen hit all extra points, nailed a 44 yard punt, and was excellent on all his kickoffs. Penn State utilized several squib kicks to limit our field position.
Drake Johnson, Taco Charlton, Noah Furbush and Jourdan Lewis dressed; Lewis started, both Charlton and Furbush played, but Johnson didn't play. Bryan Mone and Lawrence Marshall did not dress. Neither Kareem Walker or Shelton Johnson dressed. Jeremy Clark left with an injury on the kickoff team, and it may be an ACL; Dymonte Thomas and Delano Hill left as well, but Thomas came back to play.
The Badgers will be TOUGH, but we are improving so hopefully we'll be ready. Go Blue!!!