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PSU-Michigan highlights-lowlights

By Neil Rudel

nrudel@altoonamirror.com

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Following are the highlights and lowlights from Penn State’s 18-13 loss to Michigan on Saturday night at Michigan Stadium:

Play of the game: Late in the third quarter with the Lions up 13-10 and facing third-and-4 from their own 28, Christian Hackenberg forced a pass into coverage that was intercepted by Jourdan Lewis. The pick set up a field goal that tied the game at 13, and the Lions never recovered.

Offensive player of the game: Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner completed 16-of-24 for 192 yards and a touchdown. He was intercepted once. He also rushed 10 times for 32 yards, not counting 14 yards lost in sacks.

Defensive player of the game: Wolverine linebacker Jake Ryan made 10 tackles, including three for loss.

Most telling statistic: Penn State made eight first downs in the first quarter and eight over the next three quarters.

Hidden statistic: The Lions were held to minus-1 yard rushing in the second half.

Best run: Gardner broke a 25-yarder in the third quarter to aid field position.

Best pass: Hackenberg rifled a 9-yard slant for a touchdown to DaeSean Hamilton that gave the Lions a 13-7 lead with 11:58 left in the second quarter.

Worst pass: See play of the game.

Best catch: Lion defensive tackle Anthony Zettel picked off Gardner in the second quarter, setting up the Lions’ first touchdown.

Catch it, will ya: Penn State Geno Lewis receiver dropped an easy one in the second quarter.

Hold it, won’t ya: Still trying to figure out how Lions safety Ryan Keiser, in perfect position with his hands on the ball, failed to pull in an early interception that Michigan’s Devin Funchess turned into a 43-yard touchdown and a 7-3 lead.

Best block: PSU guard Brendan Mahon sprung Bill Belton for a first down in the fourth quarter.

Best tackle: Mike Hull shot the gap and dumped De’Veon Smith for a 3-yard loss late in the first quarter.

Best kick: Michigan’s Matt Wile, who went 3-for-3 in field goals and probably could have been the offensive player of the game, nailed a 45-yarder with 5:08 left in the second quarter, cutting the Lions’ lead to 13-10.

Worst kick: Nit punter Chris Gullo shanked one 26 yards in the third quarter.

Best call: Michigan’s fans, probably speaking for both sides, booed after the Wolverines ran a draw on third-and-14 from midfield with the game tied at 13.

Worst call: Leading 13-10 midway through the third quarter and facing fourth-and-11 from the Michigan 37, the Lions opted for a fake punt, and freshman Grant Haley was snowed under for a 2-yard loss. Just punt it there, please.

Worst penalty: Down 18-13 but still breathing, Penn State was called for offsides after recovering an onside kick at its 30 with 1:41 left.

Best effort: The Lions’ defense held Michigan to 2.1 per rush, sacked Gardner three times and kept the team in the game the entire night.

Unsung hero: Has to be Michigan punter Will Hagerup, who averaged 43.8 yards on five punts and put two inside the 20.

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