Michigan vs. Penn State score, takeaways: No. 3 Wolverines bully way to top-10 win with Jim Harbaugh suspended

Michigan played its own game and picked up a significant road victory in its toughest test of the season to date

No coach? No problem. Not all wins are created equal. Saturday's victory by No. 3 Michigan comes as a feather in the cap not just for the Wolverines but their coach, Jim Harbaugh, too. Michigan improved to 10-0 -- 4-0 in games Harbaugh has missed due to suspension -- this season with a more-decisive-than-the-score-looks 24-15 win over No. 10 Penn State at Happy Valley.

It was not a pretty game, nor was it that exciting, but you won't hear many complaints from the Michigan faithful. Well, you won't hear them complain about the football game, at least.

After getting off to a slow start on offense, Michigan changed up its approach. Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, serving as acting coach in Harbaugh's stead, threw out most of the passing playbook and leaned on his running game. Michigan countered the speed and aggressive nature of Penn State's defense by beefing up the offense, and it worked.

Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards and J.J. McCarthy combined to rush for 227 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. The Wolverines' last 30 plays of the game were all runs, and they did not complete a pass beyond the middle of the second quarter. As for Penn State, it was another rough day for the offense against an elite defense. Much like we saw against Ohio State, Drew Allar and company struggled to move the ball effectively through the air.

• Corum led Michigan with 145 yards and two touchdowns, including a 30-yard score run to put the game away in the fourth quarter.
• McCarthy only registered eight official pass attempts in the game. He completed seven of them for 60 yards.
• The teams combined for only 134 yards passing.
• Penn State coach James Franklin is now 4-16 against Michigan and Ohio State. He's also just 3-17 against AP Top-10 teams.
• Michigan has won four straight over Penn State and seven of the last 10 since 2014.
• Michigan held Penn State to 96 yards in the second half with 75 of them coming on PSU's final drive while it was down two scores.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 3:27 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Michigan bullied Penn State

Michigan has one of the best offensive lines in the country, but it had not faced a defensive front quite like the one brought by Penn State. It was a key focal point in this matchup, and early on, the Nittany Lions got the better of the Wolverines. Michigan managed only 11 yards on eight plays during its first two possessions as Penn State overwhelmed its line.

But Moore & Co. adjusted. Gone were the dropbacks for McCarthy; they were replaced with Grade-A All-Big Ten Beef. Michigan countered Penn State's speed and aggression by trying to overwhelm it with size and strength. The Wolverines brought on extra linemen to block in the run game and just hammered away at the Nittany Lions.

It worked. Michigan made Chop Robinson a run defender and took away Abdul Carter's sideline-to-sideline speed by running right at him for 4-5 yards at a time. It was a steady diet of Corum, Edwards and McCarthy. When McCarthy didn't hand it off, he was usually rolling out with an option to run or pass. Sometimes, the Wolverines ran straight QB sweeps in third-down situations and converted. The only throw in the latter stages of the game led to a defensive pass interference penalty on PSU; Michigan officially went the final 37:41 of the game without a pass.

It was a 60-minute exhibition of what makes Michigan so tough to beat. We can debate until the cows come home the possible advantage the Wolverines had over opponents this season thanks to their illegal sign-stealing operation, but at the end of the day, it doesn't matter if you know what's coming if an opponent can't get off a block. Michigan's might overwhelmed Penn State -- plain and simple.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 3:33 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Penn State couldn't afford to be conservative like Michigan

If you were to only review the box score, you would see that Penn State went for it on fourth down three times, converting two attempts. That would come across as an aggressive, go-for-it approach -- the type needed to pull off an upset over a team like Michigan.

However, anyone who watched the game knows the Nittany Lions put themselves in position where they had no choice but to make those fourth-down calls due to conservative play calling beforehand. There was also a debatable decision that opened the scoring as Penn State struck first to take a 3-0 lead ... kicking a 20-yard field goal..

Facing a fourth-and-goal from the 3, Franklin opted for the points. It's a defensible decision but undoubtedly a conservative one. Going for it and trusting my defense to get me the ball back with good field position would've been my call. Penn State preferred to trust its defense with a 3-point lead.

On the other side, Michigan ran Penn State into the ground because it was in position to do so. After U-M making some adjustments at halftime, the PSU offense was lost and incapable of moving the ball. The Wolverines had no need to take risks. I can't help but wonder whether the Nittany Lions will self-scout some of the decisions they made today and ultimately regret them.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 3:47 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Franklin can't wait until 2024

There is no escaping it. Following Saturday's loss, Franklin is 4-16 against Ohio State and Michigan. He's lost three straight to the Wolverines and seven straight to the buckeyes. His record against AP Top-10 teams (most of which have been Ohio State and Michigan) is now 3-17. Eventually, Penn State needs to break through win these key games.

The perception of Franklin could change next year, though. Right now, he's the coach who can't win the big one, the guy whose teams always comes up short. Everything changes in 2024, though, when the Big Ten will get rid of divisions -- Penn State will no longer play Michigan and Ohio State every season -- and the College Football Playoff will expand to 12 teams.

Franklin may struggle against those programs, but he does well against the rest of the Big Ten. Since last season, the Nittany Lions are 19-0 against the remainder of the league. That's been good enough for 10-2 seasons and New Year's Six berths. Next year, 10-2 likely gets Penn State into the expanded playoff. In fact, if you were to build 12-team brackets out or prior seasons' results, Penn State would have played in multiple playoffs under Franklin already.

It's possible Franklin would be perceived a lot differently today if that were the case. Of course, it's also possible he would be winless in the CFP, too. After all, Michigan has won the Big Ten the last two seasons, yet its inability to win a playoff game hangs over its head the same way Franklin's record against Ohio State and Michigan hangs over his.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 3:39 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Don't give up on Allar just yet

There is no reason for a Penn State fan to be happy pleased what they have seen this year from Allar in games against Ohio State and Michigan. After today's performance, Allar went a combined 28 of 64 against the Buckeyes and Wolverines, finishing with 261 yards passing and two touchdowns. He did not throw an interception in either game, though he did lose a fumble in the third quarter Saturday.

While I have plenty of critiques about Allar's play -- he's too timid and doesn't trust himself -- the loss is hardly his individual fault. Yes, a lot of Allar's throws Saturday were late or behind his receivers, and he needs to do a lot better in that regard, but his receivers could've done more to help him out, too.

Allar is still young, and he's struggled against two of the best defenses in the country. There aren't many players out there who are capable of tearing Ohio State and Michigan apart. Allar reminds me a bit of the guy against whom he went head-to-head Saturday. McCarthy went through plenty of growing pains himself during his first season as a starter before taking a significant leap this season.

Perhaps Allar can do the same. I know that's of little solace to a Penn State fan right now, but it's true.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 3:24 pm ET · Will Backus]

Moore shows his passion

Michigan's acting coach delivered an impassioned (NSFW) postgame interview. He was pulled aside by the Fox broadcast and dedicated the Wolverines' win to suspended coach Jim Harbaugh. Moore also gave credit to the university and his players while fighting tears. 

"We did this for you," Moore said to Harbaugh. "For this university, for the president, our AD. We got the best players, best university, best alumni in the country. Love you guys." 

Again, NSFW language warning: 

[Nov 11, 2023 at 3:10 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

We aren't finished just yet, only mostly

After receiving a last-minute reprieve from the governor after a Michigan interception is overturned, the Nittany Lions march downfield for a touchdown. Drew Allar hits Theo Johnson for an 8-yard TD to cap off an 8-play, 75-yard drive, but they can't convert the two-point try. So it's 24-15 with 1:59 left.

For those of you who need help with the math, it's a two-score game. The two-point conversion was critical. This is also an example of me being a firm believer to ignore the math and Keep Hope Alive by kicking the PAT in that spot.

But we really don't need a 45-minute argument about it at this point. It is what it is.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 2:57 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Game over

Things turned quickly. Drew Allar throws behind Kaden Saunders on third down for an incompletion, but the Lions decide to go for it on fourth down. Allar's throw on fourth down is even worse, as it was a clear misread or communication, and it lands in the middle of nowhere.

Michigan takes over and Blake Corum scores from 30 yards out on the very next play. It's 24-9 Michigan with 4:15 left to play.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 2:54 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Stop me if you've heard this one before

Penn State's defense gets the stop they Nittany Lions need and force a Michigan punt, after the Wolverines hand off three times. Now the Nittany Lions have the ball at the 26 with 4:53 to play, needing to do something they haven't done this half: Move into Michigan territory and score.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 2:47 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Three and out

The vibes are low at Beaver Stadium. Penn State gets the stop it needs, gets the ball back, and immediately goes three and out. A one-yard run, incomplete pass, and a completed pass for no gain before the Lions are forced to punt the ball back to Michigan. The Wolverines have it at the 31 with 7:05 to play. They're a few first downs from salting this one away.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 2:42 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Penn State gets the stop it needs

Michigan ran the ball on 20 straight plays at one point, and when it finally dropped back to pass it drew a pass interference to give it the ball at midfield. And then Penn State's defense said no more. The Wolverines fail to move the ball forward afterward and are forced to punt.

Penn State has the ball back at the PSU 12 with 8:14 left, down 17-9, with two timeouts. 

[Nov 11, 2023 at 2:32 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

That didn't go well

First there was the hold on the punt return that cost Penn State 10 yards and negated the field position. Then, on second down, Penn State runs a flea-flicker that results in an intentional grounding call on Allar that puts them in third-and-long. Allar then throws a pass to nowhere when he feels the heat on third down and Penn State punts.

Michigan ball at its 31 with 12:11 to play.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 2:27 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Michigan seems terrified to throw on third down

You can tell Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines respect this Penn State defense and Manny Diaz. They've run the ball on multiple third and longs in the second half. It's worked a few times, but it doesn't work this time, as Donovan Edwards is tackled a yard shy of the marker. Michigan is forced to punt and Penn State gets the ball at its 28-yard line following a hold.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 2:20 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

END 3Q: Michigan 17, Penn State 9

This game is flying by in State College, Pennsylvania, as both teams have run the ball a combined 56 times compared to only 21 pass attempts as No. 3 Michigan leads No. 10 Penn State 17-9 heading into the fourth quarter. And I can't blame them, because the run game has been effective for both sides.

Michigan has rode the three-headed rushing monster of Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards and J.J. McCarthy to the lead after three quarters and start the fourth quarter with the ball inside their 10-yard line with a chance to churn clock and extend the lead. McCarthy has been effective as a passer, completing 7 of 8 attempts, but the Wolverines haven't found themselves in many must-pass situations.

Meanwhile, Penn State had a chance to take the lead in the third quarter, but after receiving the kickoff, Drew Allar was stripped on a third-down draw that would've resulted in a first down. Michigan recovered before putting together an 8-minute field goal drive to extend the lead to eight points. Penn State then went conservative to end the quarter, punting on fourth-and-2 from midfield.

Will the decision cost them? We've got 15 minutes left of football that will answer that question and many more.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 2:17 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Penn State punts on fourth and 2 at midfield

It's a great punt that pins Michigan inside the five-yard line. Still don't like the decision. Michigan took eight minutes off the clock last drive. 

[Nov 11, 2023 at 2:04 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Penn State's defense holds in the red zone

The Wolverines use the ground game and JJ McCarthy's legs to set up a first-and-goal, but cannot reach the end zone. Instead they settle for the 22-yard field goal to make it a 17-9 game.

Still, the concern for Penn State is that Michigan is getting what it wants on the ground. Between Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards and McCarthy, the Wolverines are up to 155 yards rushing and 5.5 yards per carry. McCarthy has only thrown eight passes in the game (he's completed seven), and considering the Wolverines have the lead, odds are they have no plans to air it out any time soon unless Penn State forces them to.

This will be a crucial possession for the Nittany Lions. The clock is moving quickly and I don't know how many more possessions are left in this game for either team.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 1:53 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

We have our first turnover

Drew Allar fumbles on a third down QB draw that he had the first down on. He's stripped from behind by Michigan's Rayshaun Benny and the ball bounces right into the arms of Makari Paige. Michigan takes over at midfield.

Allar has been effective as a rusher on third downs as Michigan is dropping into coverage a lot and bringing only three rushers, but that's a disastrous play for the Nittany Lions. 

[Nov 11, 2023 at 1:28 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

HALFTIME: Michigan 14, Penn State 9

This is the game we were looking for in this Big Ten East showdown. It hasn't always been pretty, but it's been what you'd expect from two of the best defenses in the country: a tough physical battle that's being settled along the line of scrimmage far more often than not as No. 3 Michigan leads No. 10 Penn State at the half.

Both teams adjusted and began to find room to maneuver after sluggish starts. Penn State has struggled to run the ball all season but has 107 rushing yards in the first half, averaging 5.4 per carry against this Wolverines defense. Michigan has been even better, though, rushing for 110 yards on 6.9 yards per attempt.

The offensive lines are not only beginning to open holes, but they're protecting their quarterbacks as well. Penn State picked up a sack on Michigan's first possession, but both teams have kept their QB clean since. Michigan is doing it by moving J.J. McCarthy out of the pocket or getting the ball out quickly. Penn State is using a lot of play-action to slow the pass rush while also using Drew Allar as a runner.

All in all, it's been an interesting chess match from both sides, and it's hard to tell which team has the clear advantage. Right now I'd still lean toward Michigan winning this game, but we're one play away from this thing being flipped upside down.

I wish the second half could start right now.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 1:24 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Penn State gets off the mat

The Nittany Lions go down two scores and respond with an incredible drive that includes two fourth-down conversions, the last of which was a reverse pass to QB Drew Allar. Allar then finishes the drive with an 11-yard touchdown run, but does not convert the two-point attempt. It's a 14-9 Michigan lead with 29 seconds left in the first half.

That was a must-have drive for the Nittany Lions. The home crowd was restless, and audibly booing some of the perceived decisions. Had Penn State not gotten points out of the drive you get the sense things could've snowballed from there. Instead, the Nittany Lions are very much alive.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 1:18 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Great run, great tackle

Kaytron Allen's cut is beautiful and it leads to a big run, but don't ignore the big man Kenneth Grant chasing him down from behind!

[Nov 11, 2023 at 1:14 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Michigan is now up two scores

Michigan adjusted on offense following a couple bad possessions, and now it's overwhelming Penn State with size and strength. The Wolverines started bringing in extra linemen -- including defensive linemen -- to negate Penn State's defensive speed with size, and it's working.

They follow up a 9-play, 75-yard TD drive with a 6-play, 78-yard TD drive. This time it was Blake Corum with the long run (44 yards) to get the Wolverines into Penn State territory and Donovan Edwards finishing with a 22-yard touchdown run.

Michigan is now up to 106 yards rushing on 15 carries and they lead 14-3.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 1:06 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Michigan is doing some fun stuff out there

[Nov 11, 2023 at 12:53 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Blake Corum finds paydirt

Donovan Edwards carried the load for most of the drive, but it's Blake Corum scoring his 17th rushing touchdown of the season from three yards out to make it a 7-3 Michigan lead. It was a nine-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that included a 22-yard run from Edwards.

The other interesting part of the drive was Michigan's adjustments in the passing game. After struggling to protect McCarthy in their first few possessions, Michigan is getting the ball out a lot quicker using screens that get their tackles out blocking on defensive backs. We also saw a QB draw with JJ McCarthy on third and long that caught Penn State out of its run fits.

The chess match in this game is fascinating.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 12:45 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

END 1ST: Penn State 3, Michigan 0

Wherever Jim Harbaugh is right now, he's watching a good game. Penn State leads Michigan 3-0 after one quarter at Beaver Stadium, and this one has been every bit the defensive struggle you should've expected. Penn State's offense has been the best of the two options so far, but it only has 58 yards through the first 15 minutes. It also has the longest drive of the season against Michigan, going 66 yards in 13 plays to set up a first-and-goal at the 3-yard line. The Wolverines defense stood tall, however, forcing the field goal to make it 3-0.

As for the Michigan offense, the sledding is tough. The Wolverines are averaging only 3.5 yards per play and the Penn State defensive front is giving their offensive line all kinds of problems early. They do begin the second quarter with the ball in Penn State territory, however.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 12:37 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Penn State opens the scoring with a field goal

That was a very encouraging drive for Penn State. They went 66 yards on 13 plays, and were able to run the ball effectively enough to keep the chains moving. They became the first offense this season to put the Michigan defense in a goal-to-go situation.

Unfortunately, they couldn't finish. Michigan holds up on three plays from the three-yard line and forces a Penn State field goal. It's 3-0 Nittany Lions with 2:17 left in the first quarter.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 12:34 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

HISTORY!

Penn State has a first-and-goal. They are the first team to put the Michigan defense in an "and goal" situation this season.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 12:31 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Penn State staying on schedule with the run game

The plan seems pretty clear. The Nittany Lions are running the ball on first down and looking to stay out of the third-and-long situations that doomed them against Ohio State. It's been effective on this drive, as Nick Singleton is routinely picking up three and four yard chunks. It has the Lions inside the red zone.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 12:15 pm ET · David Cobb]

Big sack from Dani Dennis-Sutton

Michigan generated a little early momentum with a 12-yard connection between J.J. McCarthy and AJ Barner. Then, a false start set the Wolverines behind the chains on their opening possession. From there, Penn State defensive lineman Dani Dennis-Sutton ignited the Beaver Stadium crowd by dragging down McCarthy for a loss of 10 on third down. Good start for the PSU defense.

[Nov 11, 2023 at 12:05 pm ET · David Cobb]

Here we go

Penn State won the toss and deferred. The Wolverines will get the football first in front of a sold-out and raucous Beaver Stadium. Major Big Ten and College Football Playoff implications at stake as the Wolverines face BY FAR their toughest test of the season without head coach Jim Harbaugh on the sideline. The Nittany Lions are seeking redemption for a dud performance in a loss at Ohio State last month. Win here and all of PSU's aspirations are back in play.