Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from a top-10 win at Penn State

2. Michigan’s offense didn’t complete a pass in the entire second half

That’s not a misprint, you read that right. All of J.J. McCarthy’s 7 of 8 passing came in the initial 30 minutes. His last completed pass came around the six-minute mark in the second to Colston Loveland. McCarthy attempted one in the fourth period, but it didn’t count because of a pass interference penalty on Penn State, that probably should have been called on A.J. Barner for basically tackling his man.

A total of 30 run plays, and two kneel-downs, from then on was the result. Penn State’s defense would not get beat by the long ball and McCarthy never went bombs away on his part. Penn State was just outside the top 10 in pass defense before the divine performance. Now they’ll move up the rankings, but still trail the nation’s number pass defense which belongs to Michigan coincidentally.

https://twitter.com/Wildkingsalmon/status/1723441455501332708

Both quarterback’s numbers were anemic, which means the stronger rushing attack usually wins. Michigan outrushed Penn State by about 60 yards. Last year they outgained them by 300 yards, so credit is due to Manny Diaz and his defenders for the turnaround.