Nittany Lions' stars shine in clash with Michigan
After an intensely hyped game and what was anticipated to be one of Penn State’s toughest tests of the year, the Nittany Lions remain atop college football, undefeated and unrivaled. And with another huge game coming up next week against Ohio State, it was extremely satisfying to see that Penn State was more than up to the task against the Michigan Wolverines. The annual ‘White Out’ game set Beaver Stadium attendance records, as more than 110,000 fans (110,823 to be exact) decked themselves out in white and got to see their team dominate a bitter rival. It was pretty amazing to see and hear the crowd screaming, singing, and cheering throughout the game. I couldn’t imagine what it would have been like to have been in that stadium singing “Sweet Caroline” with 110,000 strangers.
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In what was undoubtedly a shocking margin of victory, Penn State rolled over Michigan by a score of 42-13. The Lions got on a roll right out of the gate, as Saquon Barkley broke a 69-yard touchdown run just 45 seconds into the first quarter. After a quick Michigan three-and-out, Barkley again scored in the form of 15-yard touchdown run, coming right after tight end Mike Gesicki recorded a dazzling catch for a 35-yard gain. Michigan would score two touchdowns off of rather substandard Penn State possessions. Karan Higdon scored on a fourth down run from the one-yard line early in the second quarter after a Trace McSorley interception. Ty Isaac scored on a six-yard run after Penn State turned it over on downs near midfield. That would be Michigan’s entire offense for the day, however, as they were unable to get past the dominant Lions’ defense. The PSU defense only allowed the Wolverines 269 yards of offense (only 166 passing yards) on the day, tallied seven total sacks on Michigan quarterback John O’Korn, and held the Michigan offense to a 6-for-16 clip on third down. Trace McSorley added a three-yard touchdown run before halftime, giving the Lions a 28-13 lead. It was all over but the crying and lame excuses for Michigan at that point, as Barkley and McSorley each added another score to the tally and sealed the blowout victory.
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Big players make big plays when it counts the most, and that was certainly the case for Penn State in this game. Saquon Barkley, who now has to be the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, ran all over Michigan in this game. He gained 108 total yards on the ground, 53 yards through the air and three total touchdowns to his credit (two rushing, one receiving). Trace McSorley posted an 83.4 total QBR, 358 all purpose yards and four total touchdowns in the game. Senior linebacker Jason Cabinda led the team with 13 tackles and had a sack to his credit. Senior defensive back Christian Campbell likewise came up big with four total tackles and a forced fumble, which was Michigan’s lone turnover of the game.
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Penn State does not appear to be intimidated by any team at this point. Despite the scare against Iowa, this team is looking as strong as it has in years. The defense is among the best in the nation, and they have two legitimate Heisman candidates heading up their offense. Ohio State has had a rather “cake” schedule thus far, besides their loss to Oklahoma in their second game. So, their confidence is off the charts right now. J.T. Barrett and J.K. Dobbins are tearing it up right now, as Barrett has greatly improved his passing game, posting 21 touchdowns at a 66.7 percent completion rate, and Dobbins has just under 850 all purpose yards and five total touchdowns. This will easily be the toughest challenge for the Penn State defense all year, perhaps in the last few years. Will the Lions be up to the task or could they be denied the College Football Playoff yet again? Needless to say, it will be an all-out dogfight come next Saturday night in Columbus.
