Penn State was supposed to give the Michigan Wolverines their toughest test of the season, but it proved to be anything but. Michigan jumped out and grabbed the lead early, dominating this game from start to finish. As the Wolverines look ahead to their showdown with Wisconsin next weekend, here are three things we learned from Michigan's win over Penn State:
3) We should not be concerned about Michigan's ability to run the ball
That was the biggest criticism of the Wolverines coming into this game, and they definitely proved a point. Michigan ran for 326 yards in this game, and FIVE different players found the end zone. No one player really stepped out and solidified themselves as a gamebreaker in the backfield (De'Veon Smith did lead the team with 12 carries for 107 yards), yet their committee approach averaged 6.7 yards per carry - an excellent number.
2) Michigan's defense is one of the best in the country...again
Last year, the Wolverines ranked in the top 6 in the country in virtually every defensive category. They had gotten off to a slower start this year, but Michigan flexed the muscle once again and reminded everyone just how good they are on that side of the ball. Boosted by the return of star cornerback Jourdan Lewis, the Wolverines held Penn State to just 191 total yards (including 50 in the first half) and 70 rushing yards.
1) The offense is a well-oiled machine
Michigan's offense is already in mid-season form. Their ability to run the ball certainly helps, but the Wolverines are playing their best in crucial situations. They converted 68.8 percent of their third downs, and four of their first five drives ended in touchdowns. In fact, all of their red zone trips ended in touchdowns instead of field goals. Keeping drives alive - and converting those drives into touchdowns - is the difference between a good team and a championship team.
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