The Michigan Wolverines snapped a two-game losing skid with a 21-18 win over the Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday afternoon. Michigan desperately needed a win and found a way to get the job done, improving to 4-2 on the season and 1-2 in the Big Ten.
Here’s the recap, highlights and stats.
On the opening possession of the game, Penn State put together a 16-play, 69-yard drive that lasted over nine minutes. But Michigan’s defense stepped up in the red zone — including a sack by linebacker Troy Bowles — to force a field goal.
The Wolverines were hoping to respond with a score of their own, and quarterback Bryce Underwood connected with wide receiver JJ Buchanan for a first down to reach midfield. However, the drive eventually stalled and Michigan punted.
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Penn State took a 3-0 lead into the second quarter, but Michigan’s defense came to play on the ensuing possession. The Wolverines quickly forced a put as defensive end John Henry Daley got into the backfield for a sack on third down.
Once again, Michigan’s offense couldn’t move the ball. Underwood hit wide receiver Andrew Marsh for a short catch, but running back Jordan Marshall was stuffed on third down and the Wolverines punted for a second straight drive.
Penn State picked up a first down, as quarterback Rocco Becht found wide receiver Chase Sowell for a 26-yard catch. The Nittany Lions couldn’t extend the lead though as Daley came up clutch for Michigan with a big hit to force a punt.
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The putrid offensive performance continued for the Wolverines, as Underwood was intercepted on the final two drives of the first half. Michigan mustered only 80 total yards and 3.5 yards per play as Penn State took a 3-0 lead into halftime.
HALFTIME: Michigan 0, Penn State 3
Michigan made a change at quarterback to start the second half, replacing Underwood with freshman Tommy Carr. His first snap resulted in a first down pass to Buchanan, but the drive fizzled out again and Michigan opted to punt.
But the Wolverines quickly got the ball back, as safety Rod Moore flew across the field and snagged a game-changing interception. The interception proved to be the exact jolt that the team needed, immediately turning the turnover into points.
Michigan took a 7-3 lead, as running back Bryson Kuzdzal sprinted past the defense for a 43-yard touchdown with 11:58 left in the third quarter. There’s no doubt the Wolverines totally stole momentum to start the second half.
On the ensuing possession, Michigan continued to seize control as safety Chris Bracy picked off Rocco Becht as well. The Wolverines looked like a completely different team from the first half — going on a second straight scoring drive.
Carr found tight end Hogan Hansen for a 22-yard gain, followed by running back Savion Hiter going for an 18-yard run. Following a run from Carr to get on the doorstep of the end zone, Marshall punched it in for a touchdown to go up 14-3.
The Nittany Lions wouldn’t go down without a fight though, going on a touchdown drive to cut the deficit to 14-11. Penn State running back Carson Hansen scored a one-yard touchdown run, and the two-point conversion was successful.
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Michigan wasn’t able to extend the lead on the next drive, but it did enough to flip the field as Hiter ran for a season-long 41-yard rush. The Wolverines were clinging to a 14-11 lead as Penn State regained possession with 6:23 left.
Penn State was hoping to put together a go-ahead drive of its own, but Michigan’s defense had something else in mind. Bracy chased down Becht for a sack fumble, which was recovered by defensive tackle Enow Etta in the red zone.
Carr took care of the rest as he weaved through the defense for a 12-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 21-11 with just 2:58 left in the game. The touchdown sent Michigan Stadium into a frenzy as Carr’s miraculous half continued.
Penn State proceeded to score a touchdown to trim the deficit to 21-18 with just over a minute remaining, but the Wolverines recovered the ensuing onside kick and were able to run off the rest of the clock to secure the victory.
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Michigan stat leaders
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QB Tommy Carr: 5-for-7, 47 passing yards, 36 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
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RB Jordan Marshall: 12 carries, 37 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
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RB Savion Hiter: 11 carries, 78 rushing yards
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RB Bryson Kuzdzal: 2 carries, 38 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
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WR JJ Buchanan: 3 receptions, 36 receiving yards
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DB Chris Bracy: 8 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass break up
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DL Enow Etta: 3 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 fumble recovery
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DB Rod Moore: 3 total tackles, 1 interception
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DE John Henry Daley: 3 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack
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LB Troy Bowles: 10 total tackles, 1 sack
Penn State stat leaders
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QB Rocco Becht: 28-for-44, 267 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
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RB Carson Hansen: 15 carries, 51 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
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WR Chase Sowell: 11 catches, 151 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
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LB Tony Rojas: 12 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack
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DB Zion Tracy: 4 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception
Michigan will try to keep the momentum going as the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers come to town on Oct. 24 (noon on FOX).
