Michigan 42, Penn State 7
It's fully operational.
A hale and hearty Michigan took a stumbling Penn State squad behind the woodshed until they were sure there was no movement left, then added a couple more shots for good measure. Before the Nittany Lions' Sad Touchdown Drive, PSU managed only 111 yards on 36 plays, barely cresting a three-yard average—and needing that final drive against M's backups to avoid a rushing Rutger. The Wolverines bested PSU's total yardage on the ground alone, churning out 259 yards with the rushing attack.
They were a motivated group looking to avenge last year's defeat. James Franklin's decision to run up the score stuck with this team, and they didn't shy away from mentioning that motivation afterwards.
"We wanted to make sure to turn the intensity up so there was no coming back from that," said Karan Higdon, who accounted for 132 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries.
Michigan set the tone early, sacking Trace McSorley twice on the game's opening possession, then covering 76 yards on eight runs for the game's opening score, a read keeper that got Shea Patterson into the end zone untouched from a yard out.
[Hit THE JUMP for REVENGE.]
Josh Uche made life rough on Trace McSorley. [Upchurch]
From there, it was the revenge game Don Brown and Michigan fans have dreamed of when they were able to sleep at all this past year. The defensive front gave McSorley scant time to operate from the pocket, and even when he was able to stand in and fire, open receivers were hard to find. The defense finished with five sacks, two by emerging edge-rushing terror Josh Uche, and a pair of interceptions. Franklin spent much of the second half yo-yoing between McSorley and backup Tommy Stevens, who was healthier but also threw an inconceivably bad pick-six to Brandon Watson on his first attempt.
The offense, meanwhile, looked as complete as it needed to be in a blowout. The threat of Patterson's legs in the run game kept Penn State honest; he made strong reads on his way to 47 yards on ten carries, and the backs—especially Higdon—found plenty of room on the interior. But Higdon, fresh off a national-best seventh straight 100-yard performance, saved the plaudits for his offensive line.
"That's the first guys you credit," said Higdon. "They were out there playing their balls off."
That's a hell of a statement given where that unit was in week one.
Patterson hit DPJ on the run to start blowing the game open. [Bryan Fuller]
While the aerial attack wasn't much needed, it looked not only improved, but like it'll have a higher ceiling as Tarik Black works his way back into the lineup—while his long second-half touchdown was called back on a hold, the penalty didn't impact his route, long speed, or hands. The game was well over by then, anyway, and Patterson had already connected on a deep bomb to Nico Collins and a frozen rope touchdown to Donovan Peoples-Jones while rolling to his right. Patterson posted an efficient 11-for-17, 144-yard passing line with two touchdowns and no picks. Michigan even mixed in some run-pass options, which got them their other passing score when one such play sprung Zach Gentry wide open up the seam.
Penn State had so little hope of keeping up with Michigan's offense that James Franklin chose to have the Wolverines re-kick after Jake Moody's kickoff sailed out of bounds; instead of getting the ball at the 35 with the penalty, KJ Hamler took the return to the 22. It was, apparently, worth a shot. In fairness, they certainly had better odds of breaking a big play on special teams than in the running game; former five-star Miles Sanders led PSU's non-QBs with 14 yards on seven carries.
Feelin' good, feelin' great, how are you? [Fuller]
"The top thing, the most impressive thing to me, is Don Brown," said Jim Harbaugh. "I'm reminded of the old jingle in the '70s, 'When you said Don Brown, you said it all.' He's the king. He's the king of defensive coordinators. It's so great."
The king stayed the king today. Now Michigan has a clear path to a titanic, Big Ten East-deciding matchup with Ohio State. They look as good as any squad to wear the winged helmet since at least 2006 and they're not afraid to let you know it. They're mocking opponent celebrations and giving pithy quotes about bloody revenge.
"We just played ball," Hidgon said about any plans to run up the score. "Whatever happened happened."
Michigan football happened.
November 3rd, 2018 at 8:38 PM ^
Revenge tour for ace
November 3rd, 2018 at 8:59 PM ^
Preach Ace; CFS is no match for a Michigan ass-kicking of Penn State.
November 3rd, 2018 at 9:46 PM ^
November 3rd, 2018 at 11:35 PM ^
Ace Anbender: The first man in history to produce more content for his job after his resignation. ;)
Honestly, I smile every time I see your name on something here. Each day you can overcome CFS is a victory, as far as I’m concerned. Remember the triumphs like today on the tough days.
November 4th, 2018 at 12:16 AM ^
Great win! I think psu is overrated but we really took it to them in this one, and the last one and the last one, incredible three wins in a row, not to mention 8. Is anyone else a little scared about what happens when we have to throw the ball though? We have multiple four and five star receivers and a 6 8 tight end and we can't get past 144 yards passing in a 42-7 blowout? I think it will be a bit difficult to just run the ball up the middle 40 times against the Alabama's of the world...any thoughts?
November 4th, 2018 at 12:45 AM ^
That’s right, every team Michigan beats is just bad or overrated...
November 4th, 2018 at 1:17 AM ^
I actually feel the opposite. Like, when they finally take the reins off the passing game, either because they have to or because they get to, they could be awesome. There are three legit NFL-caliber WRs with Black back, Gentry and McKeon as above average receiving TEs, and solid route runners like Perry and Martin, plus pretty solid receiving RBs.
It wasn't "we can't get past 144 passing yards", it was classic Milton Berle pulling out just enough.
November 4th, 2018 at 2:10 AM ^
My thought is that you are still a troll.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:14 AM ^
I don't login much from Mobile site - but had to just to Neg this.
We didn't NEED to air it out.
Even so - Patterson played lights out.
If that pass to Black wasn't called back, that's over 200 yards and 3 TDs with no picks.
Pretty damn excellent I'd say.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:53 AM ^
"Is anyone else a little scared about what happens when we have to throw the ball though?"
NO
November 4th, 2018 at 9:04 AM ^
Are you crazy or just plain stupid?
November 4th, 2018 at 11:42 AM ^
It was more about the offensive line not matching up well with their excellent pass rush.
November 4th, 2018 at 1:04 AM ^
Seeing Ace's byline, my heart is so full right now, like ol' Fielding Yost's was for This Michigan of Ours.™
November 4th, 2018 at 1:45 AM ^
Seeing Ace’s name as the author just added to another great aspect to this awesome win. This team is creeping to peaking at the exact right time. Where are those impatient ignorant, Harbaugh haters now? Go Blue!!!
November 4th, 2018 at 9:57 AM ^
Four rows behind me at yesterday's game.
November 3rd, 2018 at 8:26 PM ^
FUCK YES
November 3rd, 2018 at 8:27 PM ^
Go Northwestern.
November 4th, 2018 at 10:32 AM ^
An argument can be made that we should want Notre Dame in the playoff should we also get there, because A) It would be great to get another crack at 'em and B) Having ND in the playoff should guarantee that there will be only one SEC team in, because it's unlikely the committee is going to exclude two Power 5 conferences again.
On that note I still think it's possible Clemson is on the bubble even if undefeated because their schedule is so weak.
November 5th, 2018 at 8:46 AM ^
You forgot 'C' - we would absolutely kick their asses. ND Sux.
November 3rd, 2018 at 8:28 PM ^
I guess when the spread moved from -10.5 to -35, Vegas knew what they were doing.
Wait . . . what?
November 3rd, 2018 at 8:28 PM ^
Fuck Penn State. Fuck em.
November 3rd, 2018 at 8:29 PM ^
Probably too modest to say it himself, but the GoFundMe is still open.
Let's get Ace to $100,000.
Aim your money cannons, almost there:
November 3rd, 2018 at 8:45 PM ^
Six figs for Ace!
November 4th, 2018 at 12:23 AM ^
Revenue Tour
November 3rd, 2018 at 8:30 PM ^
I feel like Michigan might have a pretty good team.
November 3rd, 2018 at 10:06 PM ^
I dunno man. That Harbaugh Guy... so predictable....
HAWT TAKE
/s
November 3rd, 2018 at 10:26 PM ^
Is he still here? I thought he left for the NFL.
November 3rd, 2018 at 10:28 PM ^
Cleveland is in play.
November 3rd, 2018 at 11:11 PM ^
And Oakland may well be in play.
November 3rd, 2018 at 11:40 PM ^
Biggest disappointment in college football.
- Paul Penishead
November 4th, 2018 at 12:24 AM ^
But did you see Penn State score that touchdown? Clearly the opposition has figured out Don Brown.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:02 AM ^
Or maybe the refs just elected to not call 1 of the 4 holds on that play.
November 3rd, 2018 at 8:31 PM ^
That was fun to watch. I watched my balls off. I just watched ball. Whatever happened happened. And now I'm happy.
November 3rd, 2018 at 10:07 PM ^
This just feels good. They are executing. The O line is playing well. Players are developing. We're wearing down defenses.
*sigh*. It's just awesome.
November 4th, 2018 at 9:21 AM ^
"They were out there playing their balls off."
If that's not the next t-shirt, I wanna know why not.
November 3rd, 2018 at 8:32 PM ^
Hey, glad to see you're still writing some stuff, Ace. Hope you're doing well! Go Blue!
November 3rd, 2018 at 8:33 PM ^
Thanks for the write-up, Ace.
November 3rd, 2018 at 8:34 PM ^
Best part of this game was Ace doing the write up.
November 3rd, 2018 at 8:37 PM ^
Game made me happy. Ace article made my day!!! Thanks Ace.
November 3rd, 2018 at 11:11 PM ^
Yes! Great to see Ace!
November 3rd, 2018 at 8:34 PM ^
Can’t wait for November 24.
November 3rd, 2018 at 11:12 PM ^
Michigan is clearly the better team.
Let's get it on!
November 4th, 2018 at 12:29 AM ^
Not directed at you, but as good a place as any to put this:
I'm more curious now than ever to see the Michigan Monday and Threat Level writeups.
November 3rd, 2018 at 11:12 PM ^
Michigan is clearly the better team.
Let's get it on!
EDIT: Double post. I suppose it's because the MGoServer just wanted to see it again.
November 3rd, 2018 at 11:30 PM ^
chuck, you make it really hard to make broad statements about ohio fans. you are a champ. please come to the game next year and meet some of us at a tailgate.
November 3rd, 2018 at 11:33 PM ^
I was at last year's MGoTailgate party. I was the guy wearing red.
November 3rd, 2018 at 8:35 PM ^
NICE GAMER, ACE!!
November 3rd, 2018 at 8:37 PM ^
Don Brown...the Budweiser of Defensive Coordinators.
November 3rd, 2018 at 9:26 PM ^
Ace, the Rashan Gary of Mgoblog writers.
NOT the Nick Bosa of Mgoblog writers.
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