5 things we learned in epic Michigan football win over Penn State

Nov 11, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum (2) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Michigan won 24-15. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

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Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

The running game can still deliver

This was the biggest question mark for me going into the Penn State game. I actually thought, like many, that J.J. McCarthy was going to be the key.

McCarthy only ended up throwing eight passes. He ran the ball when needed, although the one sack hurt his numbers, but this game was about the offensive line and the running backs.

Just like last season, Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards delivered their best games of the season against Penn State. Corum ran the rock 26 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns. He had a 44-yard run, and a 30-yard touchdown run to clinch the win.

Donovan Edwards also ran for a 22-yard touchdown on third-and-11. There wasn’t much room, but he split some Penn State defenders and was off to the races.

Michigan will need to be more balanced against Ohio State and will need to figure out the pass protection, but it was great to see Michigan revert to its ground-and-pound identity to win when needed.

It was like breaking through a brick wall but the Wolverines were just determined enough to do it.

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