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Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from brutal loss to Penn State

By James Costanz

Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown talks to players during a timeout during the first half against Penn State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020.
Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown talks to players during a timeout during the first half against Penn State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020. /
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Nov 28, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Keyvone Lee (24) rushes in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Keyvone Lee (24) rushes in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Michigan struggled against Keyvone Lee

It has been a long journey for Penn State to find replacements at the running back position. Journey Brown announced his retirement and Noah Cain went down with a leg injury on the first game of the season. Devyn Ford was the starter for the remanding four games, but missed today’s matchup due to a family emergency.

So for today’s game, the Nittany Lions sent out a true freshman starter who was fourth-string before the season started.

The rushing attack has been inconsistent at best, as Penn State has rushed for 200-plus yards in three games and under 100 yards in the other three games. But, watching true freshman Keyvone Lee run the ball today felt like a change of pace for the Nittany Lions.

Coming into this game, Lee had just 19 carries for 93 yards and two touchdowns over four games. Today, Lee finished with 134 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Lee displayed excellent vision poise, and physicality for his first start. James Franklin was pleased with his efforts, but notes the young freshman has room to get better. 

Penn State has sent some great running backs to the NFL in recent years with players like Saquon Barkley and Miles Sanders. It will be really exciting to see Lee’s development, as he looks to be the answer at running back that Penn State has been searching for.

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