3. It wasn’t pretty, but Michigan got it done.
In the movie Remember the Titans, Coach Boone said of his offense, “It’s like novocaine, give it time; it always works.” The Michigan offense is similar. The Wolverines possess the ball, don’t play tempo often and base everything they do around the running game.
Today, the Wolverines had no problem with running the football keeping their lead. Penn State scored first. However, where Penn State could only kick field goals early, Michigan scored two touchdowns. Michigan trailed just once more after taking a 7-3 lead.
Cade McNamara made throws when needed and did not throw an interception.
The Michigan defense kept Penn State out of the end zone until the fourth quarter, sacking quarterback Sean Clifford seven times. The Wolverines stymied the Nittany Lions offense all game.
The most important thing the Wolverines did in this game was score touchdowns. Penn State had opportunities to score touchdowns, but Michigan’s defense stepped up when needed and held the Nittany Lions to field goals.
Every time Michigan had the opportunity to score touchdowns, the Wolverines scored touchdowns and did not settle for field goals. That was the difference in this game.