Penn State is being outgained 274-83, has one first down through one half and yet only trails Michigan by two in “The Big House.”
Michigan scored the game’s first 13 points on two field goals, a short touchdown run by Blake Corum and an extra point. Penn State got the next 14 with an offensive touchdown by Kaytron Allen and a pick-6 by linebacker Curtis Jacobs.
QB Sean Clifford set up Allen’s touchdown with a wild 62-yard run to Michigan’s 4-yard line.
Michigan regained the lead in the half’s dying seconds on Jake Moody’s third made field goal of the day.
Plenty of good and bad things happened for Penn State in the first 30 minutes, and here’s how Twitter reacted to the positives and negatives.
PINBALL PICK-6 FOR PENN STATE 😱@PennStateFball takes the lead at Michigan! pic.twitter.com/6ckw3N8C8T
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 15, 2022
The fact that Penn State is winning this game is hilarious.
Also, Chop Robinson is that dude.
— Joe Smeltzer (@joesmeltzer775) October 15, 2022
How in the world is Penn State winning this game right now?
— Brett Hower (@brett_hower) October 15, 2022
Penn State has run 13 plays and scored 14 points. Seems efficient.
— RJ Young (@RJ_Young) October 15, 2022
Penn State has been awful coming off a bye under Franklin
— Jarred Walp (@jaywalp) October 15, 2022
Penn State would lose to the bye week with this effort
— Kevin Noon (@Kevin_Noon) October 15, 2022
Can we pass on a bye week next year? Can you do that? Please?
— PSU Everything (@PSU_Strong) October 15, 2022
Penn State didn't have a first down yet this game
Then @seancliff14 did this ⚡️🦁 pic.twitter.com/xsYi3Fx2Gc
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 15, 2022
Sean Clifford was rumbling for all he was worth, bless his heart.
— Chris Mueller (@ChrisMuellerPGH) October 15, 2022
Need to see Clifford's long run again. RPO line route. Couldn't tell if Eyabi was spiking & PSU blocked new edge, or if Eyabi just got sucked inside by the dive. If it was the former, tip your cap to PSU for a good scheme. If it was the latter, that'll have to be cleaned up.
— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) October 15, 2022
It's 13-0 Michigan with 8:29 to go in the half. The Wolverines have run 35 plays to Penn State's six. It's resulted in a 196-9 yards advantage. The Lions do not have a first down, and Michigan is six of eight on third down. Time of possession is 17:47 to 3:44. pic.twitter.com/AglkE0F3X4
— Greg Pickel (@GregPickel) October 15, 2022
Giving up three there wasn’t ideal.
But any Penn State fan who says they aren’t thrilled with being down two at the half after that start is probably lying.
Penn State also gets the ball to start the second half.
— Joe Smeltzer (@joesmeltzer775) October 15, 2022