No one on the outside knows quite what happened at halftime in State College last weekend, and those on the inside don’t seem too keen on sharing. Those are moments that can be blown out of proportion, anyway.
But the team that walked out of that locker room, staring down a 21-7 deficit in the fire-breathing cauldron of Beaver Stadium, is not the same as the one that entered. That’s plainly clear.
We’re about to find out how long that hangover lasted.
There’s no rest for the weary, as No. 19 Michigan welcomes No. 8 Notre Dame in a game that would have meant far more six weeks ago.
The Wolverines, as you likely know, suffered their second loss of the season last week at Penn State, a heartbreaking 28-21, the ramifications of which will continue to ripple. They have little more than pride to play for through the rest of the season, but this program could sure use some pride these days.
In the aftermath of last week’s 21-0 blitz in the first half, Michigan has spent the week reflection on the trend of starting slowly in big games. Over the course of eight different top-15 matchups in the last two seasons, the Wolverines have been outscored 117-83 in the first half, including a 21-7 deficit to the Nittany Lions and a 28-0 deficit to Wisconsin, both this year.
Down 28-14 on Saturday, Shea Patterson marched his team down to the one-yard line in the middle of the fourth quarter, facing a fourth-and-goal with the game in the balance. The Wolverines called Patterson’s number, a quarterback sneak, in hopes of muscling their way to a one-possession game. There was literal scrapping, clawing — and, apparently, gouging.
It’s difficult to square these two distinct facts, so I won’t try to do so. There are surely hot takes to be read, and this won’t be one. Josh Gattis’ offense looked better, particularly in the second half. Shea Patterson offered his best performance of the season. After an early speed bump, the Wolverines’ defense settled in quite comfortably. The talent of this team is present — and, at times, quite obvious.
Penn State, buoyed by an early 21-0 lead and atmosphere unlike many in college sports, held on to beat Michigan, 28-21, as the Wolverines’ furious comeback came agonizingly short.
Ahead of No. 16 Michigan’s clash with No. 7 Penn State this weekend, The Daily called up an old friend. Mike Persak, former Michigan Daily Managing Sports Editor, now covers Penn State football for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. We dialed up his number, turned on the recorder and let the (half-baked) thoughts flow.
The Michigan Daily: So, what do you want to talk about?
Mike Persak: Do you want to know what I cooked for dinner?
TMD: What did you cook for dinner?
In light of losing top-10 NFL draft pick Devin Bush at the MIKE linebacker spot last year, redshirt freshman Cam McGrone has stepped up to fill the void.
In doing so — scoring 25 unanswered points and coming within three points of the lead, briefly putting Michigan’s season on life support — the Fighting Illini resurfaced a bevy of questions on both sides of the ball that have come to define the Michigan football season to date. Questions that will soon bury it if they don’t get answered. Promptly.
oe Milton’s chance is as close as it’s ever been these days, having meandered his way up the depth chart by equal parts fortune and persistence. Redshirt sophomore Dylan McCaffery has yet to return from his concussion suffered against Wisconsin, and as such, Milton has inherited more reps, both in practice and game. He completed three of four passes in an appearance against Rutgers, tallying 59 passing yards and two total touchdowns (one rushing). A brief stint, sure, but an undeniably encouraging one.