They played hard. They played rough. It’s clear they struggled, but the Michigan Wolverines managed to pull through with a win over undefeated (3-0) Penn State. This might be enough to get Michigan back on the Top Ten AP Poll, not that I find the AP Poll is ever very kind to Michigan. However, after this game, they deserve that placement, led by the true freshman quarterback, Ryan Mallett. This is only Mallett’s second start in college football history and he showed that he has the potential to be one heckuva quarterback.
This is Penn State’s ninth loss in a row at the hands of the Wolverines. It was also an amazing feat for Michigan considering just a week ago, they entered into a game with Notre Dame 0-2. With their star QB, Chad Henne injured, it was up to a new QB, the freshman, Ryan Mallett, to take command of the team. Luckily he had some Hart behind him, supporting him in both that game against Notre Dame and the game today against Penn State.
Penn State has a tough defense, led by Dan Connor. Connor was breathing down the #1 running back’s neck the entire game though Jake Long did manage to keep Connor and the rest of the Nittany Lions off Hart enough for him to rush on 44 runs for 152 yards. By the last quarter though, Penn State had figured out how to keep Hart back and the pressure mixed with tiredness, was apparent as Hart strained to get any yardage.
Mallett did pretty well himself. He managed to complete 16 passes earning 169 yards. Together, Hart and Mallett scored the only touchdowns of the game, with Mallett getting a lucky break preceding a sack turned fumble by Penn State QB, Anthony Morelli. Speaking of Morelli, he and his offensive line struggled throughout the entire game behind a solid Michigan defense. This defense was reminiscent of last year’s nearly unstoppable defense. It was led by LB’s Shawn Crable and Chris Graham and DE Brandon Graham.
Preventing any touchdowns by the Nittany Lions, Penn State’s kicker, Kevin Kelly, made three field goals, though it wasn’t enough to beat Michigan’s two touchdowns in the first and fourth quarters.
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