Every season, one of the most anticipated matchups on the Big Ten slate is Penn State and Michigan. It goes way back, and in more seasons than not, there’s a lot on the line.
This year was no different, except the stakes were simply about preventing their respective seasons from getting any worse.
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Matt Campbell’s Nittany Lions entered with a rough 3-3 record, while Kyle Whittingham and the Wolverines came in at 0-2 in Big Ten play, and looking to avoid dropping to 3-3.
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Michigan Wolverines running back Jordan Marshall (23) runs the ball in the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium. (Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images)
Penn State was first to get on the board. The Nittany Lions capped off their opening drive with a 24-yard field goal from kicker Ryan Barker after the Rocco Becht-led offense fizzled out in the red zone.
The Nittany Lions absolutely dominated on the time of possession front, staying on offense for nearly two-thirds of the half. But with the Wolverines threatening to tie the game with a field goal of their own or more on a strong late drive, Penn State freshman Josiah Zayas picked off Michigan’s Bryce Underwood with an impressive interception.
That was Underwood’s second interception of the first half, and with offense tough to come by, the Wolverines made a decision to throw freshman Tommy Carr under center to see if he could jump-start the offense.
He received a big ovation from fans at the Big House.
Unfortunately for the Wolverines, Carr’s first drive of the game was a quick three-and-out that was almost entirely on the ground, save for one 3-yard pass.
However, they got the ball right back as Becht threw an interception on the first play of the ensuing drive, putting the ball right back in Carr’s hands with solid field position just past midfield.
That’s when Bryson Kuzdzal used his legs to get the Wolverines on the board with an impressive 43-yard run to the end zone.
Later in the quarter, Carr took matters into his own hands and rushed the ball up to the Penn State 1-yard line on what was initially ruled a touchdown but was reviewed and marked short.
A couple of plays later, running back Jordan Marshall forced his way across the goal line for six.
Penn State finally scored a touchdown a few minutes into the fourth quarter to make it a one-possession game, and made it even closer by converting on their two-point attempt to pull within a field goal.
However, with five minutes left in regulation and Penn State threatening to score, Becht was hauled down while scrambling and fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Michigan.
It was especially costly because it took only a few plays for Carr to score his first career touchdown on a 12-yard run.
But it wasn’t over just yet.
Becht connected with Chase Sowell — who had 11 catches for 151 yards on the day — for a touchdown.
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However, Penn State’s attempt at an onside kick was swallowed up by the Wolverines, and that was it.
Michigan Wolverines quarterback Tommy Carr (14) runs the ball passed Penn State Nittany Lions defensive back Marcus Neal (31) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. (Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images)
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A huge win for the Wolverines and a coming-out party for Tommy Carr, who went 5-for-7 passing for 47 yards, all of which came in the second half.
On the other side, that’s a crushing loss for a Nittany Lions team that certainly didn’t need any more games going in the loss column.
Michigan will look to keep the momentum going against defending champion Indiana Hoosiers, while Penn State will have a much-needed week off before facing Purdue in Happy Valley on Halloween.