Defense stifles Nittany Lions

ANN ARBOR, MICH. — Michigan football has all the receipts.

And all the revenge. Karan Higon rushed for 132 yards and the No. 5 Wolverines controlled Penn State’s offense during a 42-7 thrashing of the No. 14 Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium on Saturday.

Michigan outgained Penn State 403 yards to 186.

The Wolverines exacted revenge against Wisconsin three weeks ago, at Michigan State two weeks ago, and against Penn State in Ann Arbor.

With three games left to play, the Wolverines (8-1, 6-0 Big Ten) remain in the Big Ten driver’s seat and in control of their possible College Football Playoff destiny.

Michigan travels to Rutgers next week, hosts Indiana on Nov. 17, then closes out the regular season at Ohio State on Nov. 24.

The Wolverines brought Rashan Gary back after a three-game injury absence, but it was Michigan’s thirddown rush of Josh Uche, Chase Winovich, Kwity Paye and Michael Dwumfour that did the early damage.

Uche had two first-half sacks, Winovich had another and Penn State had no hope on third down or between the tackles.

The Nittany Lions were in the negative rush category at halftime and eventually lifted starter Trace McSorley in the third quarter for backup Tommy Stevens, who immediately threw a pick-six to Brandon Watson — his second of the season.

Defensive coordinator Don Brown said recently he had spent an entire year thinking about the 42 points Michigan allowed vs. Penn State last season. On Saturday, his group gave up seven. And that score didn’t come until the final two minutes.

As far as the revenge tour goes? Michigan’s defense (and offense) spent time after touchdowns Saturday using former Penn State running back Saquon Barkley’s airplane celebration and McSorley’s baseball bat celebration.

Michigan left points on the field in the first half again and the kicking game has plenty to do with that, but offensively, the Wolverines continue to be very difficult to prepare for and scheme against.

Shea Patterson’s zoneread resulted in a first-half touchdown; he rushed for 42 yards on 11 carries and helped open up more for Higdon and Chris Evans.

Michigan didn’t take many shots down the field, but it really wasn’t necessary. Patterson hit Donovan Peoples-Jones for a 23-yard touchdown pass and found Nico Collins on a 47-yard deep shot. He had one more to Tarik Black that was called back due to a hold.

Over the past month, Michigan’s offensive line has played at an elite level. It’s hard to find another line in the Big Ten playing better right now and that was, once again, on display.

The Nittany Lions entered the game leading the league in sacks and tackles for loss. PSU had one sack and two tackles for loss and the Wolverines rushed for 259 yards.

This was another legit test for this front five, as Penn State’s pass rush is legit. And, just like two weeks ago at Michigan State vs. the country’s top-ranked rush defense, the Wolverines passed the test. The questions are over. This is a good offensive line. One of the best in the league. Right now, perhaps the best in the league.