Embattled Michigan Stifles Penn State Without Suspended Jim Harbaugh
The Wolverines defense stole the show Saturday, shutting down the Nittany Lions for much of the game.
No. 3 Michigan took care of business against No. 10 Penn State on Saturday, moving to 10-0 overall on the season and 7-0 in Big Ten play.
The 24-15 win came without head coach Jim Harbaugh on the sideline, after the conference’s decision to suspend him from coaching on game days through the end of the regular season as punishment for the Wolverines alleged sign-stealing operation.
Although Michigan filed an emergency temporary restraining order against the Big Ten on Friday night in hopes of preventing Harbaugh’s suspension, the case did not receive a ruling before Saturday’s noon kickoff against Penn State.
Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore took over as acting head coach and led the Wolverines to a slow and steady dismantling of the Nittany Lions.
Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy had a relatively quiet day, with Michigan choosing to lean on its rushing attack and defense to silence the crowd at Beaver Stadium.
Early on, Penn State held Michigan’s offense in check and put up the opening points of the game with a first-quarter field goal.
SACKED
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 11, 2023
The @PennStateFball defense shuts down Michigan on the opening drive ???? pic.twitter.com/YbURtM5oW1
But eventually, the Wolverines got moving, breaking enough big plays to take a 14-9 lead into halftime.
Blake Corum is a problem ????@UMichFootball pic.twitter.com/pIG0ESPCxT
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 11, 2023
The Michigan defense took over in the second half, holding Penn State to just 96 yards of offense after the break.
With just over four minutes left, the Wolverines slammed the door shut on a potential comeback. The Nittany Lions offense, trailing 17-9, decided to go for it on fourth-and-6 from their own 30-yard line. Michigan brought pressure and forced a quick, errant pass out of Drew Allar's hand that fell incomplete.
NOPE@UMichFootball shuts down the 4th & 6 atttempt pic.twitter.com/DyiZJBSyW7
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 11, 2023
On the first play of the Wolverines’ subsequent possession, Corum scooted into the end zone to put Michigan up 24-9.
And just like that Blake Corum adds on another ???? @UMichFootball makes it 25-9 pic.twitter.com/qoAcaP8A6x
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 11, 2023
Penn State (8-2, 5-2) would get a touchdown back in garbage time, but after a failed two-point attempt and failed onside kick, the game was over—Michigan 24, Penn State 15.
After the game, Moore was emotional, looking directly into the camera to thank Harbaugh and dedicate the win to him.
— no context college football (@nocontextcfb) November 11, 2023
With the win, Michigan stays undefeated, with one more game against Maryland next Saturday before what could be the game of the year against No. 1 Ohio State in Ann Arbor on Nov. 25.