Michigan 49, Penn State 10 – Recap

By Kevin Schroeder
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Updated: September 29, 2016

First thing’s first: a big thanks to @DGDestroys, who makes the every snap videos that make these a lot easier to do.

After struggling early against Colorado (who just went into Eugene and beat Oregon; really not a good look for Oregon’s DC, whoever that is), Michigan dominated from start to finish against Penn State. Both lines had very good days, taking advantage of mismatches to provide plenty of running room for multiple different backs. Speight was composed and solid and even had a nice scramble for a first down that had Twitter comparing him to Denard Robinson, because that was 100% the number 16 Speight resembled on that run. Certainly not John Navarre. No siree, Bob. Michigan didn’t take many deep shots, because they didn’t need to, but the ones they did take weren’t great. That will need to get fixed up prior to taking on Wisconsin Saturday. The defense was suffocating. Michigan routinely got pressure rushing four guys. Jourdan Lewis made his return and made his presence felt. Coaching was a complete mismatch in favor of the Wolverines. James Franklin did James Franklin-type things. He kicked a field goal down four TDs in the second half, after taking a timeout, no less. Michigan would continue to do whatever they wanted after that.

Player Grades

How’d they do?

Ratings are out of 100 and should be read similar to Madden ratings. Overall ratings for the season are in parentheses.

QB: 80 (Season: 82, Change: 0)

Speight looked composed and made the throws he needed to make. A couple deep balls didn’t go so well. That will need to be fixed up. Even if some of the throws were less than ideal, Speight continued to show excellent poise in the pocket.

RB: 97 (Season: 90, Change: +3)

Smith, Kigdon, Isaac, and Evans all had excellent days. The dominating performance by the offensive line was a major factor here, but all four backs were displaying very good vision and fighting for every last yard. Smith continued to be excellent in pass pro, the other three – not so much, but Higdon at least showed some potential in that area.

FB/H-B: 90 (Season: 88, Change: +1)

Poggi had a very nice day. He’s running by significantly fewer guys he needs to hit. Khalid Hill looked better than he graded out. He’s been a very nice weapon thus far in the season. Bobby Henderson played well in garbage time.

WR: 90 (Season: 92, Change: 0)

Amara Darboh had an outstanding day. Nobody else was really a major factor. Chesson wasn’t targeted much. Grant Perry made the most of a couple catches.

TE: 94 (Season: 94, Change: 0)

Asiasi (Oi Oi Oi) had his first TD reception and a nice performance as a blocker. Jake Butt had a mostly good day blocking and yet another fine performance as a receiver.

OL: 98 (Season: 85, Change: +3)

The line was utterly dominant, imposing their will and opening big running lanes all game long. Penn State’s defensive line is not very good, so I wouldn’t get too excited just yet. Wisconsin will provide a much tougher test.

DE: 95 (Season: 93, Change: +1)

Taco Charlton was very good in his return from injury. Winovich spelled him and was okay in a handful of snaps. Gary and Wormley were quite good on the strong side.

DT: 94 (Season: 95, Change: 0)

Maurice Hurst was a handful for the Nittany Lions all day. Ryan Glasgow and Matt Godin were both very good. One thing on the defensive line as a whole: Penn State’s offensive line is quite bad, so the grades need to be taken with a grain of salt in that regard. Unlike the offensive line, where the same thing applies, the defensive line has a history of excellent performances, so I would be very surprised if there was a huge drop-off against Wisconsin.

LB: 90 (Season: 92, Change: 0)

Peppers didn’t have an amazing game, because he didn’t have the opportunity to. The line won their battles so convincingly there wasn’t much left for Peppers and he had so settle for just a regular very good outing. Gedeon and McCray each had a couple biffs, but both looked good as a whole.

CB: 94 (Season: 92, Change: +2)

Jourdan Lewis made his season debut and turned in an excellent performance. Stribling caught a couple PI calls, but was otherwise very good. Jeremy Clark had one big biff and a PI call. Unfortunately, he tore an ACL on special teams and is done for the year. Brandon Watson should pick up a good chunk of his snaps. Hopefully, David Long and/or Lavert Hill can step up.

S: 93 (Season: 83, Change: +5)

Hooray, adjustments! Thomas and Hill were both very good. When Tyree Kinnel was on the field, he played well. I’m hoping to see more of Kinnel, as he seems to be more in the Jarrod Wilson vein of “steady, if maybe a bit boring.” As we saw last week, there’s something to be said for that.

So Penn State is not a good football team, what can we really take away from this? Well, Speight’s poise, for one thing. He’s only had a few bad idea throws all year and isn’t forcing things. He doesn’t get flustered and make bad decisions in the face of pressure. The running backs’ vision was another bright point that I don’t think was just a product of playing a not very good football team. Can it continue at this level from here on out? Dunno. Past experiences would suggest “no, not quite at this level.” However, Smith is still running at the wrong spot significantly less than he was last year. The safeties’ decision-making was a bright spot. That will be needed against Wisconsin.

Helmet Stickers

Up to 3 may be awarded per player. Not necessarily the highest-graded players since different grades mean different things to different players (refer to the primer).

Offense

3: Erik Magnuson, Kyle Kalis, Grant Newsome, Ben Braden, Mason Cole, Amara Darboh, De’Veon Smith, Ty Isaac, Karan Higdon, Henry Poggi

2: Chris Evans, Khalid Hill, Jake Butt, Devin Asiasi

1: Bobby Henderson, Wilton Speight

Defense

3: Maurice Hurst, Taco Charlton, Jourdan Lewis, Dymonte Thomas, Delano Hill

2: Jabrill Peppers, Rashan Gary, Ben Gedeon

1: Chris Wormley, Mike McCray, Matt Godin, Ryan Glasgow

Helmet Sticker Count