Zettel has been discussed as a possible late-first round pick and has shown why throughout the season.
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And there was more: special teams breakdowns – again; pass protection issues – again; wasted timeouts due to mistakes and poor communication – again. 318 as a team to sweep the season series with the Wolverines, keeping NU’s Big Ten title hopes alive.
Michigan’s defensive front thoroughly harassed the Nittany Lions’ junior quarterback Saturday and outlasted PSU, 28-16, allowing just 208 total yards. De’Veon Smith sealed the victory for MI with a 1-yard touchdown run. Depending on how other games finish, MI could find itself at No. 8 or 9 when the next College Football Playoff rankings are released Tuesday. The Nittany Lions were unavailable for comment following the game, but Jones said he didn’t feel like Penn State played any differently once the game began slipping away.
They laughed, and it’s amusing how things work out.
For MI, I’m watching for cornerback Jourdan Lewis.
Jake Butt: After not catching more than four passes in a game since the season opener against Utah, the MI tight end has now caught seven and five passes in the Wolverines’ last two games.
It was a domino effect, really: Lewis picked up half the field. Chesson, meanwhile, coming off a record-breaking day last week, made a few big early plays and picked up 20 yards on a jet sweep to set up U-M’s final touchdown. Those drives win important games.
“I mean, it’s one of the biggest stadiums in the country so a lot of damage could be done and nobody wants to see that on any scale or at any venue”, says Alumni Steven Taylor.
A week removed from throwing six touchdown passes against IN, Rudock hit Butt on a crossing route for a 26-yard gain to give MI a 7-3 lead IN the first quarter. The pass protection in particular was very good and very physical. So scratch that original thought. Consistently, every game, they’ve been more willing to worry about their blocks down field.
Rudock is polishing his skill set each week.
Temple did it. So did Ohio State and Northwestern. Rudock’s already proven to be an engineer, doctor, whatever, during clutch situations-both at home and on the road. Smart angles and decent closing speed make him a guy I’ll be keeping my eye on this spring.
He appears to have another gear. The Nittany Lions put together the next two scoring drives, getting field goals out of back-to-back opportunities inside the MI 10 on their first two drives of the fourth quarter.
On Saturday, there was more than just one critical error. You go to a place like this, and it’s a hostile environment – especially at Penn State – we know that if we play together as a team it doesn’t really matter what the alignment is.
Three weeks ago, he threw for 337 yards, then a career-high, during a 49-16 win over Rutgers.
Michigan’s discipline: In a win over In last week, the Wolverines drew 13 flags, giving a free 72 yards to the Hoosiers.
On Saturday, well, he was everything Harbaugh needed.
This past week, Harbaugh denied that his D-line was exhausted.
Brandon Taylor led Penn State with 14 points. Willie Henry moved inside and played a great game, while Taco Charlton and Chris Wormley were standout performers as well.
While it might give fans a scare, keeping opponents out of the end zone is ultimately a good thing for MI. Michigan’s offensive line hasn’t dealt with a pass rush like Penn State’s yet, which could disrupt that potent Wolverines passing game.
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It was the Spartans’ defense, though, that was the story of the game – well, that any the lack of any type of cohesive game plan on OSU’s part.
