Michigan defense stands tall after facing first snaps inside 10-yard line this season

Michigan’s defense does not have head coach Jim Harbaugh on the sideline in Week 11. However, the Wolverines stood tall with their backs against their own end zone in the first quarter against Penn State.

On their second drive of the game, the Nittany Lions found some momentum after a quick 3-and-out to begin the first quarter. The drive would eventually cover 13 plays and 66 yards but ended in a goal-line stand for the Wolverines.

During the drive, Michigan allowed the first play of the season to an opponent inside the Wolverines’ 10-yard line.

Here’s the first snap No. 3 Michigan has allowed inside the 10-yard line, all season.

It’s Week 11. 😲 pic.twitter.com/EYbBXbgXLU

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 11, 2023

On a 3rd-and-1 from the 4-yard line, Penn State would convert to set up a 1st-and-goal. However, the Wolverines stood tall. A Kaytron Allen run for no gain and a pair of incomplete passes by Drew Allar led to a 20-yard field goal for Penn State.

STOPPED@UMichFootball comes up with a massive goal line stand and forces the field goal 💪 pic.twitter.com/ZOnCnAvwY6

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 11, 2023

There are certainly two ways to look at that drive. On the one hand, Penn State developed some consistency and was able to move the ball down the field.

On the other hand, Michigan’s defense stood tall in a crucial early-game moment. Holding Penn State out of the end zone could be a big key late in the game for a Wolverine team that has yet to give up more than 13 points in a game.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.