Game Coverage

Penn State’s offense can’t deliver in 24-15 loss to Michigan

Harbaugh-less Wolverines improve to 10-0

UNIVERSITY PARK -- Same script, different day.

Just as the Nittany Lions' offense failed in their other big game earlier this season at Ohio State, Penn State was equally inept Saturday afternoon against No. 2 Michigan.

The Wolverines -- despite not having their head coach, Jim Harbaugh, who was suspended for violation of Big Ten rules on Friday -- remained unbeaten at 10-0 with a 24-15 victory before 110,856, the second-largest crowd in Beaver Stadium history.

Penn State (8-2) scored on its second drive to take a 3-0 lead. The downside was the Nittany Lions had first-and-goal at the Michigan 3 but couldn't cash in a touchdown.

UM bounced back to score a pair of second-quarter touchdowns, the first on a 3-yard run by Blake Corum and the second on a 22-yard run by Donovan Edwards.

Penn State gained some momentum late in the first half when quarterback Drew Allar run in a 11-yard touchdown, pulling the Nits within 14-9 with 29 seconds left. The Lions went for 2-points but their passing attempt failed.

Michigan went up 17-9 on a short field goal by James Turner in the third quarter.

The Lions didn't move the ball at all in the second half until scoring after the outcome was pretty much decided.

Down 17-9, PSU turned the ball over on downs at its own 30 with 4:21 left, instead of punting.

That gave Michigan possession at the Lions' 30 and Corum scored on a 30-yard run on the first play, boosting the Wolverines' lead to 24-9.

Penn State tacked on a TD when Allar found Kaden Saunders for an 8-yard score with 1:59 remaining.

The Wolverines ran out the clock.

Michigan won the game while hardly having to throw the ball at all. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy went 7-of-8 on the day for 60 yards.

Penn State wasn't much better as the Lions threw for only 74 yards. Allar went 10-for-22 for 70 yards. Kaytron Allen completed one pass (to Allar) for 4 yards.

Michigan's last 32 plays were runs, including a pair of McCarthy kneel downs.

UM rushed for 227 yards to PSU's 164. Allen's 72 yards on 12 carries led the Lions.

Next week's kickoff vs. Rutgers is noon at Beaver Stadium. Fox or FS1 will televise. Michigan visits Maryland.

The Knights (6-3) played at Iowa on Saturday evening.

For a complete recap of the game, check out Penn State Extra in Monday's print edition.