Final score: #7 Penn State 28 #16 Michigan 21

Brief recap: Through the first 20 minutes of the game, it looked like we were in store for another Michigan-Penn State blowout affair. Penn State jumped out to an early 21-0 lead and appeared to be running away with the game. But a late first half touchdown drive from Michigan made things interesting, and it was a 21-7 game at the half. Michigan running back Zach Charbonnet wore down the PSU defense and was able to keep Michigan alive until the very end. The Wolverines had a chance to tie the game late, but Ronnie Bell dropped a pass from Shea Patterson in the end zone, sealing the win for Penn State. Sean Clifford and KJ Hamler had a huge day, connecting for two touchdowns and over 100 yards through the air.

Key moment: Immediately after Michigan scored to make the game 21-14, Clifford hit a wide open Hamler for a 53-yard touchdown strike to give Penn State a two-touchdown lead. It ended up being the game-winning score for the Nittany Lions.

Key stat: Michigan’s one interception actually ended up being a pretty big deal. Tariq Castro-Fields intercepted an ill-advised throw from Patterson and Penn State scored five plays later to take a 21-0 lead. That turned out to be fairly significant.

Key player: Michigan’s secondary had no answer for Hamler. He beat the Wolverines deep on two occasions, which resulted in two touchdowns. He caught six passes for 108 yards and two scores in the win.

What it means for Michigan: Well, the B1G East is pretty much out of the picture, and so is the College Football Playoff. But, with Notre Dame, Michigan State and Ohio State still on the schedule, there’s still three rivalry games at stake for Jim Harbaugh’s bunch. The offense actually looked a lot better in the second half, it just took way too long to get moving. The same could be said for the defense. There will undoubtedly be talk about Harbaugh’s job security in the morning, but don’t expect there to be any real movement on anything that extreme. At least not yet.

What it means for Penn State: This was the toughest test the Nittany Lions have faced this season, and they survived. It’s safe to say James Franklin’s group is the real deal. Now, we’re wanting to fast forward to that Nov. 23 date with Ohio State, which will likely determine the division crown at this point. Penn State still had trouble closing out a game, something it needs to improve. But beating Iowa and Michigan in back-to-back weeks is no simple task, and Penn State got it done.