Michigan Football: 3 Key stats that defined win in Happy Valley

Michigan football beat division foe Penn State Nittany Lions 21-17 in Happy Valley. Michigan led a late comeback victory after trailing in the 4th. The Wolverines are now 9-1 on the season.

Throughout this whole game, I was looking at the optics of what statistics really catapulted Michigan football’s victory this weekend. Truth be told this was a very close game statistically and on the gridiron.

If you look at the stats of the game, you’d notice that it was almost deadlocked in every category. Michigan had one more first down than Penn State, Michigan had roughly 30 more yards than Penn State, both had one turnover and the time of possession was a 40-second difference in favor of Michigan.

If you didn’t watch this game, you’d have no idea what key statistics made a difference in this game. However, if you watched this Football game I am certain you’ll know exactly what I am going to bring up.

1. Michigan establishing a dominant Running Game with Hassan Haskins (31 CAR, 156 YDS)

With Blake Corum injured, veteran leader Hassan Haskins had to step up as RB1 and take the bulk, if not all the carries against a mammoth Penn State defensive line.

Hassan Haskins rose to the occasion and rushed for over 150 yards on just over 30 carries against a stout Nittany Lions defense. Hassan Haskins’s runs were juiced up from yards after contact. At times, it seemed Haskins was carrying people down the field.

Haskin’s had arguably the biggest run of the day for the Wolverines. With five minutes left in the game, Haskins dashed up the field for a tough 17 yards. He proceeded to get the ball the next four plays picking up a first down in the process and setting up 2nd and 9.

With Haskins single-handedly moving the Wolverines into Penn State territory, McNamara was able to hit Erick All in what would be the game-winning drive and touchdown.

Haskins outrushed Penn State’s leading rusher, Keyvone Lee, by almost 70 yards cementing himself as one of the most important players this weekend.