Michigan Football: 5 key plays in dominating win over Penn State

Last Saturday in one of the most highly anticipated games of the season, the Wolverines welcomed undefeated #10 Penn State to the Big House.

It was an undefeated powerhouse matchup, featuring two top 10 ranked schools, but only one could remain on top of the Big Ten. Michigan football won in a smackdown 41-17, but what key plays led to their huge win?

#5- Moody’s Field Goals

Michigan’s longtime kicker, Jake Moody, went a perfect 4-4 on field goals in the game, nailing ones from 23, 24, and 29, with a long of 37 yards. The Wolverines struggled at times to get into the end zone when they reached the red zone, so it was key for Moody to hit his field goal attempts. He also went 3-3 on EXP.

#4- Corum’s first TD

Michigan struggled in the red zone early, settling for field goals on the first and second drives. The Wolverines led 6-0 early in the second when J.J. McCarthy led the Wolverines down the field to secure their first TD of the afternoon.

#3- Edward’s 67-yard TD

Coming out of the half, Michigan only led 16-14 after what seemed like a dominant first-half performance. The Nittany Lions got the ball first and drove down the field and settled for a field goal, taking their first lead of the game, 17-16. On the Wolverines’ next drive, they went 81 yards in four plays, with Sophomore RB Donovan Edwards ripping off a 67-yard touchdown.

#2- Corum’s 61-yard TD

Blake Corum got the scoring started for the Wolverines, and it didn’t end there. He continued his domination this season, finishing with 166 yards and two touchdowns. The drive after Edwards’ touchdown, the Wolverines stopped Penn State on a 4th and 6, and just when it seemed like the momentum couldn’t be anymore in Michigan Football’s favor, Corum had a house call on the first play after the turnover on downs.

#1- The defense as a whole

Penn State was virtually unable to get anything going offensively, outside of one 60+ yard run by Sean Clifford. The Wolverine defense had only two sacks, and four TFL, but don’t let that fool you.

The Wolverines had constant pressure on Clifford and couldn’t let him get anything going in the passing game. The run game was able to neutralize true freshman back Nick Singleton. The Wolverine defense dominated more than what showed on the stat sheet. There wasn’t really one play in particular that stood out, just domination down in and down out.