Michigan completely dominated Penn State on the ground with Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards each rushed for over 100 yards as Michigan defeated Penn State by the score of 41-17 in the “Maize Out” game at Michigan Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Michigan showed every bit the dominance that the 1997 national championship team had—they were in attendance, along with their coach Lloyd Carr, who had the Michigan Stadium tunnel named in his honor.
On their first possession of the game, Michigan kicker Jake Moody kicked a 29-yard field goal to put them up 3-0. This capped off an 11-play, 64-yard drive that was aided by an unnecessary roughness penalty by Joey Porter Jr. on the first play from scrimmage.
After a Penn State three-and-out, Moody kicked a 24-yard field goal to put Michigan up 6-0. The scoring drive was 13-plays, 77-yards that was highlighted by a JJ McCarthy completion to Cornelius Johnson for 35 yards.
Michigan only led 6-0 after the first quarter despite winning the time of possession 11:25-3:35 and outgaining Penn State 126-9.
In the second quarter, Blake Corum scored on a one-yard touchdown run which capped off a 13-play, 70-yard drive that took 6:20 off the clock.
On Penn State’s next drive Kaytron Allen scored on a one-yard touchdown run that capped off a seven-play, 75-yard drive which was highlighted by a 62-yard run by Clifford as he faked the ball to Allen and ran behind an Olu Fashanu block that allowed Clifford to break the long run.
On Michigan’s next drive, Penn State took the lead on a defensive touchdown when Curtis Jacobs intercepted a McCarthy pass deflected by Chop Robinson and returned it 48 yards for a touchdown.
Michigan answered a 23-yard field goal that capped off an 11-play, 69-yard scoring drive right before the half to make the score 16-14.
Michigan dominated in the first half, winning the time of possession 23:54-6:06, making 18 first downs to Penn State’s one, and outgaining Penn State 274-83 in the first half.
Penn State took the lead when Jake Pinegar connected on a 27-yard field goal on a drive that took nine plays and 76 yards. The drive was highlighted by Clifford connecting with Harrison Wallace III on a 48-yard reception.
Michigan took back the lead on their next possession when Donovan Edwards scored on a 67-yard touchdown run to cap off a four-play, 81-yard drive. McCarthy converted a pass to Ronnie Bell for the two-point conversion.
After Penn State turned the ball over on downs, Curom on the first play of the ensuing drive scored on a 62-yard touchdown run to make the score 31-17 in favor of Michigan.
Michigan led Penn State 31-17 at the end of the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Michigan extended its lead to 34-17 on a 37-yard field goal by Moody that capped off a 15-play, 48-yard drive that took 9:28 off the clock.
Michigan scored again on a three-yard touchdown run that capped off a six-play, 47-yard drive.
Clifford finished with 120 yards passing, went only 7 for 19 passing, and was replaced by Drew Allar.
Penn State will host Minnesota in their annual “White Out” game next Saturday at Beaver Stadium, while Michigan will take on Michigan State on the road after their bye.
Twitter: @bwalkerdadon
