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Michigan 28, Penn State 16

Michigan’s defense mostly looked great. 

Except for about three plays, Michigan’s defense looked excellent. Early on, Michigan allowed Penn State RB Saquon Barkley to break free for a 56-yard run after Willie Henry was chopped to the ground and Joe Bolden failed to fill the hole with any aggression whatsoever. Jabrill Peppers failed to locate a back-shoulder throw that turned into a 25-yard touchdown pass to Saeed Blacknall. The Wolverines also had some tackling issues on a completed seam route, but otherwise, the defense looked excellent. The 207 total yards by Penn State was their second-lowest of the season (behind Temple and their 10 sacks of Christian Hackenberg). After Indiana got the edge frequently last week, Penn State rarely tried, although their couple of attempts were thwarted. Color commentator Brock Huard kept asking for PSU to run up the middle, which is generally a bad idea and proved to be again on Saturday. Meanwhile, Penn State’s receivers couldn’t get separation from Michigan’s defensive backs, and Michigan’s defensive line was consistently running around PSU’s linemen or walking them straight back into Hackenberg’s face.

Hit the jump for the rest of the game recap.

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Preview: Michigan at Penn State

Rush Offense vs. Penn State Rush Defense
Michigan is #67 in rushing yards/game with 169, and they are tied for #69 in the country – with Utah! – at 4.33 yards/carry. The Wolverines mix and match in the backfield, but the guys seeing the most crunch-time carries are De’Veon Smith (582 yards, 4.4 yards/carry, 5 TDs) and Drake Johnson (212 yards, 4.5 yards/carry, 3 TDs). Michigan also makes heavy use of the fullback, even using 243 lb. Sione Houma as a short-yardage back (131 yards, 4.9 yards/carry, 3 TDs). Michigan has had the same starting lineup on the offensive line all year. That’s neither a good thing or a bad thing – the Wolverines are rated perfectly average at 100.7 in Adjusted Line Yards, which is #73 in the country. The problem with the running game is that none of Michigan’s backs are dangerous unless Smith can break a few tackles. Meanwhile, Penn State is #48 in rushing defense (152 yards/game) and #39 in yards allowed/carry (3.8). Sophomore middle linebacker Jason Cabinda (6’1″, 245 lbs.) leads the team with 71 tackles, followed by monster defensive tackle Austin Johnson (6’4″, 323 lbs.) with 64 and then sophomore safety Marcus Allen with 57. The Nittany Lions make a ton of plays in the backfield, as four of them have double-digit tackles for loss and they are #2 in tackles for loss with 93. The most effective run game penetrator is Michigan native Anthony Zettel, a 6’4″, 284 lb. tackle. Michigan does not run the ball well, and PSU has given up 220+ yards on the ground in four of their last six games, but it’s going to be tough sledding for the Wolverines.
Advantage: Penn State

Hit the jump for the rest of the preview.

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Visitors: Michigan at Penn State

Brooklyn (NY) Poly OT Isaiah Wilson

With Michigan hitting the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Maryland areas hard in recruiting, many of the Wolverines’ targets will be at Penn State this Saturday for the game. I won’t give a writeup on all of those players since I usually reserve that for home games, but here’s a list of players who will see Michigan win (or lose) against Penn State.

Offered players are denoted with an asterisk.

2016

Quinn Nordin – P/K – Rockford (MI) Rockford (Penn State)*
Miles Sanders – RB – Pittsburgh (PA) Woodland Hills (Penn State)*
Joejuan Williams – CB – Hendersonville (NC) Hendersonville

2017
Jordan Anthony – LB – Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy*
Micah Clark – OT – Holmdel (NJ) Vianney*
Robert Hainsey – OG – Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy*
Devon Hunter – S – Chesapeake (VA) Indian River*
Donovan Jeter – DE – Beaver Falls (PA) Beaver Falls
Corey Malone-Hatcher – DE – St. Joseph (MI) St. Joseph*
Jordan McNair – OT – Owings Mills (MD) McDonogh*
Nathan Proctor – LB – Indiana Head (MD) Lackey
C.J. Thorpe – OT – Pittsburgh (PA) Central Catholic*
Isaiah Wilson – OT – Brooklyn (NY) Poly*

2018

Phil Jurkovec – QB – Gibsonia (PA) Pine-Richland
Matt McElroy – LB – New Milford (NJ) New Milford
Micah Parsons – LB – Harrisburg (PA) Central Dauphin*
Bartek Ryka – LB – Paramus (NJ) Catholic

Senior Highlights: Rashad Weaver

Cooper City (FL) Cooper City defensive end Rashad Weaver completed his senior season. He made 53 tackles, 7 sacks, 1 interception (returned for a TD), 2 forced fumbles, 6 pass breakups, 2 blocked punts, and 2 blocked field goals, according to Maizenbrew.

It’s hard not to be impressed with Weaver’s senior film. Despite going to a large high school, he looks like a man among boys out there on the football field. Listed at 6’5″, 241 lbs., he dwarfs the competition. He has also improved his explosiveness, technique, and athleticism from his junior year. I would not be surprised to see a rankings bump before February. He’s a currently a 247 Composite 3-star, the #112 defensive tackle, and #1930 overall.

Hit the jump for the film.

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Recruiting Update: November 18, 2015

Durham (NC) Hillside running back Abdul Adams

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2016
Durham (NC) Hillside running back Abdul Adams was offered by Michigan. He’s a 5’11”, 205 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 3-star, the #26 running back, and #477 overall. He was previously committed to Michigan State, and the Wolverines stepped forward with an offer shortly after he decommitted. He’s a speedy back with some shiftiness, patience, and good vision. As a junior in 2014, he had 180 carries for 1,499 yards (8.3 yards/carry) and 11 touchdowns, plus 16 catches for 197 yards and 5 touchdowns. Michigan is a potential destination, although there may be some barriers in the way. Adams could also play slot receiver, cornerback, or safety at the next level.

Saraland (AL) Saraland wide receiver Velus Jones, Jr., a USC commit, was offered by Michigan. He’s a 5’11”, 180 lb. prospect with offers from Florida, Oklahoma, and UCLA, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 3-star, the #69 wide receiver, and #417 overall. He claims a 4.36 forty. Michigan has tried to make inroads in Alabama, and USC is in a precarious position with an uncertain coaching situation for next year after Steve Sarkisian was fired. Jones is a speedster, and Michigan needs an influx of speed and playmaking ability.

Hit the jump for a new 2017 offer and some random bits.

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