Penn State Nittany Lions

Michigan Football Beats Penn State 49-10, Sets Up Wisconsin Showdown

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Michigan football team was impressive in its 49-10 win over Penn State Saturday at the Big House, but right now, all anyone can think about is Wisconsin.

After starting slowly against Colorado, the Michigan football team would have no such issues against Penn State. Jabrill Peppers would see to that.

After forcing the Nittany Lions into a quick punt from their own goal line, Peppers fielded a punt and nearly returned it for a touchdown. Michigan scored a few plays later on a touchdown run by Khalid Hill.

The Wolverines never looked back.

Defensively, Michigan dominated. Penn State managed only 50 yards in the first half and for the game, they had just 199. The Wolverines totaled 515.

4-0 coming right at you…#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/3nYMR8rGcC

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) September 24, 2016

Of those 515 yards for Michigan football, an incredible 326 came on the ground. The Wolverines also scored six rushing touchdowns and averaged 6.7 yards per carry.

De’Veon Smith was a beast. He carried the ball 12 times for 107 yards, while Karan Higdon (9 for 86), Ty Isaac (11 for 74) and Chris Evans (8 for 56) also had big days toting the rock.

Wilton Speight also had a solid day for the Wolverines, completing 21-of-34 for 189 yards, to go along with one touchdown and zero interceptions. If there was any doubt about his play — there shouldn’t be any longer.

4-0, 1-0 in the B1G!

That’s a great way to kick off @B1Gfootball play. 〽#GoBlue #WINNINGEST pic.twitter.com/tqRHLPWkSF

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) September 24, 2016

The Michigan pass defense, which struggled against Colorado, was outstanding against Penn State. Quarterback Trace McSorley, who was the Big Ten leader in passing yards, managed just 121 yards on 27 attempts, an average of 4.5. He also threw just one touchdown and was intercepted by Mike McCray in the second half.

After Smith and Higdon added touchdown runs, Michigan led 28-0 at halftime and a three-yard TD run by Chris Evans pushed the lead to 35-3 in the third.

Higdon scored again in the fourth quarter, this time on a 40-yard run. Isaac also found the end zone to make it 49-10.

Yet, the big story of the day for Michigan may be what their next opponent, Wisconsin did. The Badgers, who played at Michigan State, rolled the Spartans 30-6.

That sets up a top-10 showdown next Saturday at the Big House. But Judging by how the Wolverines played against Penn State, they appear to to be ready.