WATCH: Jim Harbaugh shares locker room message with Michigan team following Penn State win
The University of Michigan has plenty to celebrate after getting another victory on the road against a quality opponent in Penn State. The Wolverines took down the Nittany Lions 21-17 thanks to a late fourth quarter touchdown catch and run by tight end Erick All. After the game in the locker room, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh had some choice words for his team.
“Just a couple of words, you players man like we said, you guys were born for this. You were born for days like this and the way you guys fight is championship level. It’s championship fighting level,” said Harbaugh to the Michigan locker room.
In a game where the Wolverines had the lead for the majority of it, late in the fourth quarter, they found themselves down by three thanks to an 11 point swing in favor of Penn State. Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford connected with their star receiver Jahan Dotson for a touchdown and the two-point conversion to draw the game even at 14.
Then, thanks to a Wolverine fumble on their next possession, on their 24-yard line, the Nittany Lions were able to capitalize on the mistake adding three points; Taking a 17-14 lead. But unlike their loss two weeks ago to Michigan State, the Wolverines stayed poised and drove the ball 75 yards down the field for the touchdown, capped off with an Erick All touchdown. But Michigan’s job was not done yet, as they needed to stop Penn State once more to secure their victory. And that’s exactly what their defense did. They only gave up eight yards on four plays, forcing a turnover on downs and essentially ending the game.
How Michigan beat Penn State
The Wolverines ran a balanced offensive attack on Saturday, led by 217 yards in the air from McNamara. He went 19 for 29 passing and threw three touchdowns, including the game-winner to All. Hassan Haskins had a big day on the ground, as well, rushing for 156 yards on 31 carries.
For Penn State, Clifford went 23 for 43 passing for 205 yards and a touchdown in the air. Keyvone Lee led the rushing attack with 88 yards on 20 carries.
The victory improved Michigan to 6-1 in Big Ten play, with the lone loss coming to Michigan State two weeks ago. Penn State, which was at one point the No. 4 team in the nation, is now 3-4 in conference action and 6-3 overall.
Jim Harbaugh and Michigan now have to get ready for its final two games. Maryland is next on the list and the Wolverines will be on the road again. But the last game of the year is the big one: Ohio State in Ann Arbor on Nov. 27.