Michigan football: Grading the Wolverines after beating Penn State

Michigan cemented its standing as the best team in the Big Ten on Saturday, completely dismantling Penn State in all phases in an easy — and very fun — 42-7 win over the Nittany Lions. With the win, Michigan’s eighth straight, the Wolverines avenged another loss from a year ago and continue to look better and better each week. They are the last remaining unbeaten team in the Big Ten, and still have a one-game lead over Ohio State in the Big Ten East.

Here’s what I liked — and didn’t like — about the Wolverines’ win over Penn State:

What I liked

This ‘Revenge Tour’ really is a thing

Michigan promised that this season was going to be different, and that they weren’t going to get pushed around anymore. They vowed to erase the memory of some bad losses, and they’ve spent the last month on the “Revenge Tour,” doing exactly that. They avenged losses to Wisconsin, Michigan State and now Penn State, and did it in convincing fashion, outscoring them 101-27 and allowing only 17 completions total in three games. There is no doubt that Michigan is the class of the Big Ten this season, and with games next against Rutgers and Indiana, the stage should be set for another huge showdown with Ohio State to end the season.

Defense dominated completely

Penn State didn’t even have a third-down conversion until just prior to halftime. That’s how dominant Michigan’s defense was all day long. Penn State senior quarterback Trace McSorley, considered a Heisman Trophy candidate at the beginning of the year, completed only 5 passes all day and was constantly harassed by Michigan’s defensive line. Penn State couldn’t run the ball either, gaining only 68 yards on 30 carries. Defensive coordinator Don Brown wanted revenge after last year’s 6-touchdown, 519-yard disaster, and he got it.

Pencil in Higdon for 100-plus every week

Karan Higdon had another big day running the ball, gaining 132 yards on 20 carries, his seventh straight game over the century mark. That’s a testament, too, to Michigan’s offensive line, which continues to get better and better every week. Jim Harbaugh would always prefer to play power football, and that’s been happening lately. Higdon is a stud, and he’s getting some help now, too. Chris Evans added 57 yards and quarterback Shea Patterson even ran for 42. Michigan had 259 total rushing yards.

What I didn’t like

Losing the shutout in the closing minutes

This was such an annihilation that there’s very little to be critical about. I mean, why bother, right? But if I had to pick, I’d say I didn’t like losing that shutout that Brown and defense wanted so bad. Down 42-0 late in the fourth quarter, Penn State had its longest drive of the game, going 75 yards in 11 plays and scoring on an 8-yard run by backup quarterback Tommy Stevens. Michigan really wanted that shutout and still had the starters in. It’s too bad it didn’t happen.

Locking in on receivers on fourth down

One last little picky thing. On big moments, sometimes it seems like quarterback Shea Patterson gets a little tight and gets locked in on a receiver, usually early in his progressions. It happened once Saturday, when Michigan went for it on fourth-and-2. He zeroed in on 6-foot-7 tight end Zach Gentry, but the linebacker read his eyes and easily knocked down the pass. Patterson can be better in that area. Michigan can also be better on fourth down. They’re just 6-for-13 on fourth down this season, which isn’t good.

Tom Brew

Tom Brew has been a recognized reporter in Big Ten sports for decades. Among other projects, he writes about Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.