Observations on the first half with Penn State, 14-10
Each team earns one red zone; the Wolverines capitalize for 7 points while the Nittany Lions gain 3 points. Penn State scores 7 points off one Wolverine turnover and blocked punt (which is really a turnover).
Offense gained 204 net yards, 9 first downs, and was 5 of 9 in 3rd down conversions. Jake Rudock was 13 of 21 for 182 yards while being sacked once. The Wolverines gained only 22 yards on the ground, DeVeon Smith gained 10 of those on 5 carries plus caught 2 passes for 15 yards. Jehu Chesson grabbed 3 for 62 yards, Amara Darboh caught 4 for 46 yards and a TD, and Jake Butt caught 3 for 55 yards. Brandon Bell returned the interception 25 yards for the Nittany Lions. Marcus Allen leads Penn State with 5 tackles.
Defense held Penn State to 133 net yards, 7 first downs, and only 2 of 7 in 3rd down conversions. The Nittany Lions had almost a 2 minute time of possession advantage, but Michigan held a 4 play advantage, 32-28. We have forced them into 4 punts with 3 "3 and outs." Taco Charlton and Chris Wormley sacked Christian Hackenberg who was 8 of 15 for 60 yards including a 25 yard TD to Saeed Blackwell over Jabrill Peppers. Saquon Barkley had 11 carries for 77 yards including a 56 yarder to set up their red zone on the second play of the game with a TD saving tackle from Jarrod Wilson.
Special Teams was a disaster with the punt block. Someone needs to tell Blake O'Neill to put the damn ball rather than hesitate prior to the punt. Kenny Allen did a solid job on kickoffs, and Peppers got a 9 yard punt return; Jourdan Lewis and Jehu Chesson had two kickoff returns for 38 yards. Penalties continue to kill us, 8 penalties for 45 yards while the Nittany Lions only have one penalty.
2nd Half will be close unless we can get a two score lead. We need to score on the opening drive. Go Blue!