What Went Wrong for Penn State Football in Dismal Loss to Michigan

Penn State Football had a chance to pull off a statement win on Saturday at home against Michigan Wolverines. With Jim Harbaugh not on the sidelines, it was a massive opportunity for the Nittany Lions to win, but it did not happen.

Penn State got physically dominated, in another dreadful performance by the offense in a big game that ended in a 24-15 loss.

Here’s what went wrong for Penn State Football against Michigan

Trouble Stopping Run

Michigan ran the ball down Penn State’s throat, racking up 227 yards on 46 carries and three touchdowns.

Blake Corum led the way with 145 yards on 26 carries.

The Wolverines did not pass the ball in the second half, officially, and ran 32 straight run plays. I did not see Penn State getting run over the way they did.

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy only threw eight passes in the game, and that’s all Michigan needed.

<< BUY PENN STATE GEAR >>

Drew Allar Only 70 Yards

Drew Allan‘s season numbers are pretty good; he has thrown for and completed 1,895 yards, 20 touchdowns, and one interception.

However, his 6.6-yard average per attempt is a problem. You have to be able to throw the ball downfield.On Saturday, Allar completed 10 of 22 passes for 70 yards in touchdowns.

However, Allar struggled mightily against Ohio State and Michigan, a huge red flag; you must play at a high level against the top schools.

You can’t beat good teams by dinking and dunking. People will say it’s his first year as a starter, but we’re ten games in, Allar has to be better.

Penn State ran the ball effectively with 164 yards rushing, but it wasn’t enough.

James Franklin Stinks Against Top Teams

Sadly, it’s the same old story for James Franklin and Penn State.

Under Franklin, the Nittany Lions are 3-17 against top-10 teams, including 1-14 against Ohio State and Michigan, which are also in the top 10. This isn’t good.

Franklin better figure out how to beat these top teams, or he could be gone.