Observations on the first half with Penn State, 10-28!

Penn State has earned four red zones due to a sieve of a defense for 28 points. Michigan earned their first red zone in the 2nd quarter and earned only 3 points.

Denard Robinson was 6 of 14 for 70 yards, and had 106 yards on 14 carries for a TD. Stephen Hopkins has 5 carries for 14 yards. Offense has 201 net yards, 10 first downs, and 3 of 10 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Penn State forced our offense into two three and outs, and three punts along with the final drive to end the half with the long incomplete pass. Drew Astorino has 6 tackles and 3 pass break ups to lead the Nittany Lion defense.

Defense has allowed the worst offense in the Big Ten a total of 246 net yards, 15 first downs, four red zone touchdowns and 5 of 7 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Matt McGloin, their 2nd string quarterback, was 10 of 17 for 137 yards and a TD plus he runs for another TD. Evan Royster is unstoppable, and has 99 yards in 14 carries for 2 TDs. Penn State has rolled up a 3 and a half minute time of possession advantage by pounding our defense who only stopped one Penn State drive in the first half. It looks like Coach Rod's defensive changes haven't helped the defense much.

Seth Broekhuizen nails his only field goal attempt. Jeremy Gallon continues to look competely pathetic as a kick and punter returner. I would rather rush the punter with 11 guys and let the ball roll dead where it rolls rather than have Gallon on punt returns, he is really, really bad. Devon Smith has a 22 yard punt return setting up the last Penn State drive at the Michigan 40. Former Michigan pledge, Anthony Fera has 5 kickoffs for a 67.8 yard average with 1 touchback and one 50 yard punt.

Penn State will get the ball first since they deferred. If they drive and score another TD, this game will be a laugher. The only chance we have is to have a great second half defensively, and I'm not sure Rich Rodriquez's troops are capable of that. I don't see our offense getting to 30 points either against a stout Penn State defense. It looks like we'll roll back to Ann Arbor to get pummelled by the Fighting Illini, and then go to Purdue for a possible bowl eligible 6th win.