It's hard to imagine a Michigan-Penn State game not going down to the final drive, and this year's edition of the rivalry was no different.

The 10th-ranked Nittany Lions trailed 14-9 with just more than a minute left in the game when the Michigan defense stepped up - as it did throughout the afternoon at the Big House.

The Wolverines (1-0 Big Ten, 2-2 overall) stopped the Penn State offense on four straight plays to turn the ball over to freshman quarterback Ryan Mallett, who took a few knees to clinch the 14-9 Michigan victory, it's ninth straight against the Nittany Lions (0-1, 3-1).

Senior running back Mike Hart led the Wolverine attack with 153 rushing yards and one touchdown on 44 carries. It was his 23rd career 100-yard rushing game, which is a new Michigan record.

The captain was complemented by Mallett. The freshman looked shaky at times in the first half, especially when he threw an ill-advised interception at the end of the second quarter, but Mallett turned it around in the second half.

Mallett completed 8-of-10 passes in the third and fourth quarter, including scrambling in the pocket and hitting open receivers when plays broke down.

The Wolverines were also helped by two Penn State fumbles. Nittany Lion quarterback Anthony Morelli lost the first when defensive end Brandon Graham stripped him on Penn State's nine yard line in the first quarter. Michigan took full advantage and scored on a 10-yard Mallett scramble.

Penn State running back Austin Scott lost the second at a critical moment in the third quarter. The Nittany Lions were driving deep into Michigan territory when Scott ran off the left edge and lost the ball after defensive end Tim Jamison hit him. Graham recovered, and the Wolverines took the momentum from Penn State.

- For full coverage of Michigan's win over Penn State, check the Daily's SportsMonday section.