Penn State vs. Michigan final score, results: Dominant running game gives Wolverines decisive win over Nittany Lions

Kevin Skiver

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Penn State vs. Michigan final score, results: Dominant running game gives Wolverines decisive win over Nittany Lions image

Two teams entered as top-10 teams in Michigan vs. Penn State, and one team will leave.

The No. 5 Wolverines routed the No. 10 Nittany Lions 41-17 in a game that was simultaneously better and worse than it looked for James Franklin's squad.

Penn State was outgained 563-268 in total yards and Michigan held the ball for just under 42 minutes of the game. All things told, the Wolverines rushed for 418 yards against the PSU defense with Donovan Edwards picking up 173 and Blake Corum gaining 166. Both backs broke off touchdown runs of over 50 yards in the second half.

Those two runs were daggers to the heart for a Penn State defense that gave up a lot of yardage in the first half but was able to hold fast when they had to. Michigan kicked three goals in four red zone trips in the first half and went into the locker room up by two, but in the end exhaustion looked like it caught up to the PSU defense.

Sean Clifford, similarly, took some of Michigan's best shots and broke off a 60-yard run with Penn State down 13-0 that ended in a touchdown that brought Penn State within striking distance. An inability to move the ball otherwise, however, led to Drew Allar coming in late to face the Michigan defense.

Michigan showed who it was in this game: A teeth-gnashing defense with a grind-you-down offense that can dominate anyone in any given week. Penn State, on the other side, will have to go back to the drawing board to figure out what in the world went wrong in this game. Next week, Michigan has a pivotal matchup with Achilles Heel hunters Michigan State, whereas Penn State will play Minnesota.

Sporting News tracked live scoring updates and highlights for Penn State vs. Michigan on Saturday. Follow below for complete results from the Big 10 college football game.

MORE: Peyton Manning has eventful appearance in brief time on 'College Gameday'

Penn State vs. Michigan score

  Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 F
Penn State 0 14 3 0 17
Michigan 6 10 15 10 41

Penn State vs. Michigan live updates, highlights

3:34 p.m. -- Michigan bangs out one more first down and they'll run one more play to end the game with the ball. Overall a dominant performance by the Wolverines, as they pick up 418 yards on the ground. FINAL: Michigan 41, Penn State 17

3:34 p.m. -- Michigan trots its backups out and Franklin isn't going to burn timeouts. At this point it's more a matter of running the clock out than anything.

3:32 p.m. -- Confirmed: Michigan ball.

3:31 p.m. -- Allar completes a pass over the middle and it looked like PSU was short but they're staying on the field. A measurement crew is coming out but this should be Michigan ball.

3:30 p.m. -- Allar once again gets swallowed up on third down by the Michigan four-man rush. Singleton got bowled over trying to pick up a block. On fourth-and-16, PSU goes for it and he gets sacked again. They're really putting him through it. However, Michigan was offside and they'll do it again.

3:28 p.m. -- Allar had Singleton wide open after a play action, and he put a nice ball on him that was dropped. He does convert on third down with a pass to the outside with a throw with some nice zip on it.

3:27 p.m. -- Penn State is now going tempo against Michigan, as Allar looks to prove something against the Michigan defense. PSU gets a first down and a nine-yard completion.

3:19 p.m. -- Corum came up lame on one of his runs, but a few good runs from Edwards get him and Michigan into the end zone. This game got out of hand for the Nittany Lions, and it simultaneously was as lopsided as the score indicates and not as bad. The body shots just got to be too much for the defense. Michigan 41, Penn State 17

3:16 p.m. -- A good run from Corum gets wiped out by a hold by Michigan, and it'll be first-and-20 for the Wolverines. 7:34 left in the game.

3:14 p.m. -- On fourth-and-11, Allar droops back and takes yet another hit, missing Singleton over the middle in the process. It's another turnover on downs for the Nittany Lions, and Michigan takes over in PSU territory.

3:09 p.m. -- PSU lined up to go for it on fourth down but Michigan burns a timeout.

3:08 p.m. -- Allar just tossed up a wobbler on first-and-15, and he's competing with the wind in Ann Arbor. Tough sequence here for a guy in a tough spot.

3:07 p.m. -- Allar almost gets picked but Michigan gets hit with a pass interference. Penn State is marching toward Michigan territory, but a false start may slow that roll.

3:05 p.m. -- A big shift here for PSU, as Drew Allar takes the field against Michigan.

3:01 p.m. -- After another penalty, Michigan is forced to settle for a field goal, Jake Moody's fourth of the day. Michigan 34, Penn State 17

2:57 p.m. -- When they actually do run a play, McCarthy finds Edwards on a wheel route wide open. First down inside the PSU 20-yard line.

2:56 p.m. -- Things are getting pretty sloppy here. We've had just one play run in the fourth and there's been an ineligible receiver, an offsides, and a false start. Messy football on both sides.

2:50 p.m. -- The third quarter is over, and Michigan's running game has caught up to the exhaustion of the PSU defense. They're driving already up 14. Michigan 31, Penn State 17

2:47 p.m. -- They confirm the call, and Michigan lines up on fourth-and-1 anyways. They dive forward and convert with ease. 1:40 left in the third quarter now as the clock starts to be a factor.

2:45 p.m. -- McCarthy scrambles outside and because he gave himself up on the play, it'll be fourth-and-1 for the Wolverines. The play is going to be reviewed, but this is a strange call just because of the nature of how he went down.

2:43 p.m. -- Penn State's defense was moments away with coming up with a huge stop, but Ronnie Bell shrugged off a tackle to pick up a first down off a drag on third-and-12. Great run from the receiver to keep the drive alive and Penn State will look to get its stop elsewhere.

2:40 p.m. -- Michigan's pass rush finally gets to Clifford for a third down sack, and Penn State's offense has stalled since that pass interference. They'll be forced to puntand Henning returns it near the 35.

2:35 p.m. -- Well, that's a turn of events. Blake Corum saw Edwards' run and decided he couldn't be alone there. He breaks a 61 yard run to increase Michigan's lead on the first play out of the turnover, and that's a backbreaker for a PSU team that has done so well to hang around. Michigan 31, Penn State 17

2:33 p.m. -- The thought of PSU going for this on fourth down would have been insane in the first half, but James Franklin had faith in his guys. Clifford, however, sails one on fourth-and-6 with Mike Sainristil in coverage. It's Michigan ball.

2:30 p.m. -- Clifford did what he could with what he had, and took off for 13 yards. He paid a price for it, as he got hit sticked out of bounds by Will Johnson (or rather, he lowered a truck stick on him. Good effort to set up fourth and manageable, as PSU considers going for it here.

2:28 p.m. -- A first down for Penn State on yet another third down is erased by a pass interference as someone got ahead of the play. Penn State loses 15 on the play and it's going to be third-and-19 for the Nittany Lions. Huge penalty at this juncture.

2:25 p.m. -- Clifford has done a great job of dodging Michigan's pass rush, and on that last third-and-8 he was rewarded with a clean pocket and a first down. PSU is going tempo and finding some rhythm.

2:19 p.m. -- Michigan answered in a big way, with the UM offense finally breaking through with a 67-yard touchdown run from Edwards a two-point conversion to make it a seven-point lead. Both offenses are looking sharper here in the second half early. Michigan 24, Penn State 17

2:07 p.m. -- The offenses flip roles here, as PSU gets down to Michigan's 10-yard line but stalls and will attempt a field goal. They split the uprights and take the lead quickly out of the half. Penn State 17, Michigan 16

2:05 p.m. -- Clifford against completes a big pass to Harrison Wallace, and how's that for getting ahead of the sticks? 51 yards on second down, and now Penn State is threatening.

2:03 p.m. -- Penn State catches a huge break with the veteran presence of Clifford, who climbs the pocket on third-and-10 and completes a pass for a first down. If the Nittany Lions can't get ahead of the sticks it's gonna catch up to them, but that's a big first down coming out of the half.

2 p.m. -- Coming out of the half, Michigan will kick if off to PSU with a two-point lead. Penn State's offense will try to keep its defense off the field after a break.

1:40 p.m. -- First half analysis: It's all Michigan on the stat sheet, but Penn State enters the locker room trailing only two behind the art of the big play. Michigan leads TOP 23:54 to 6:06, yards 274-83, and third downs 7-11 to 1-4. However, J.J. McCarthy's pick six and 62-yard run from Sean Clifford loom large. As good as Michigan has been, it's made a few mistakes that have kept this game close, and credit where it's due to PSU's defense, which has been stubborn and given up three field goals and a touchdown on four red zone trips.

1:38 p.m. -- Michigan puts the kick through the end zone, so we'll get a PSU kneel down to bring us to halftime. At the half, Michigan leads 16-14.

1:37 p.m. -- Michigan hits its third field goal of the half to ostensibly take a lead to the locker room. A few good plays there, but the Penn State defense once again held fast, and heading into halftime down two is as close to a win as you'll get for the Nittany Lions given the stat sheet. Michigan 16, Penn State 14

1:35 p.m. -- Michigan tried to power run toward three tight ends and came up short. And Michigan lined up for a hard count on fourth down but PSU doesn't jump. Michigan will likely attempt a field goal heading into the half.

1:34 p.m. -- We're in a timeout now, as Michigan approaches third-and-2 from the Penn State five.

1:33 p.m. -- Corum is so good in space, plays like a pinball. He jumps out of one tackle and bounces off another for a first down to the Penn State 13 as we approach a minute in the half.

1:31 p.m. -- After taking a loss on first down, McCarthy tries to find Ronnie Bell on the back shoulder but it's incomplete, and PSU is going to get flagged with interference. Pretty clear call there as Dixon had both the collar and jersey of Bell.

1:30 p.m. -- Joel Klatt is starting to have this Michigan offense pegged, so Penn State almost certainly does. On second-and-mid to long, Michigan runs a screen and PSU gets there quickly. On third, however, McCarthy fakes the sweep and carries for a first down back into Nittany Lions territory, where Michigan has spent much of the day.

1:28 p.m. -- Penn State's mistakes are a concern. PSU boots one straight out of bounds, and Michigan will start with its own 35-yard line.

1:23 p.m. -- INSANE turnaround here! Oh my goodness. On third down, McCarthy rolled out and had his pass tipped at the line. It bounced off a helmet, and Curtis Jacobs gets a pick-6 for PSU to give the Nittany Lions their first lead of the game. The resilience from this team has been genuinely impressive thus far. Penn State 14, Michigan 13

1:21 p.m. -- For as good as Corum has been, Edwards feels like a big play threat every time he touches the ball. He breaks off a big run past the 50-yard line and Michigan is back in business.

1:18 p.m. -- Henning finally gets a chance to return and brings it up just past the 26-yard line. Penn State's defense is back on the field.

1:15 p.m. -- PSU goes for it and scores! All of the air gets sucked out of the Big House as Penn State immediately makes it a one-possession game again on what felt like a make-or-break drive from the Nittany Lion offense. Great answer. Michigan 13, Penn State 7

1:14 p.m. -- Michigan's defense stands pat in three plays on the goal line, so it's decision time for PSU on fourth down.

1:12 p.m. -- What a play from Penn State! On third-and-1, Sean Clifford runs a gorgeous play fake 62 yards to the Michigan four on what felt like an inflection point in this game. Terrific play fake, and PSU is looking to turn this game around. Rare undisciplined play from the UM defense.

1:10 p.m. -- Michigan kicks it through the end zone, and PSU will start from its own 25 again.

1:04 p.m. -- In a scrum, Michigan finally punches it in from a yard out, and Michigan finally scores after moving the ball. Blake Corum had the carry for Michigan, and he was very close. No way to overturn the call with that many bodies. Michigan 13, Penn State 0

1:02 p.m. -- Michigan converts a first down on third-and-2, and Michigan will have three chances to score from the one. Time out PSU.

1 p.m. -- On first down from the 11-yard line Corum bursts up the middle again to make it second-and-3 from the four. Michigan is trying to punch one in here.

12:57 p.m. -- It's officially time to stress for Penn State. They're looking for another red zone stop, but Michigan is averaging over five yards on the ground. This is when this offense is at its best, and PSU doesn't seem to have a lot of answers on either side of the ball right now.

12:56 p.m. -- Donovan Edwards is a big threat running up the middle, he seems to have great visioin and a big burst. Michigan is once again in the red zone after McCarthy hits the outside on a read option.

12:55 p.m. -- McCarthy just made either an EXTREMELY good or EXTREMELY lucky throw while getting wrapped up. He sails one over the outstretched fingertips of the PSU defense to Corum, and all Jim Harbaugh could do was shake his head.

12:53 p.m. -- Between the 20s, McCarthy has been very good on third down. He hits Ronnie Bell on the outside to convert third-and-4, and for the third time today Michigan is in PSU territory.

12:51 p.m. -- Penn State's punt puts Michigan at its own 30-yard line to start its third drive of the day. Michigan is getting the ball back after holding the ball for over 11 minutes in the first.

12:46 p.m. -- Penn State was short but Morris was offside for Michigan, so it'll be third-and-4 for an untimed down. The crowd noise was a factor against Clifford and the PSU offense, and they go empty backfield for third down before bringing Singleton in. Michigan brought heat and Clifford throws incomplete, so the quarter ends with another Penn State three-and-out and they'll punt on the other side of the break. This Michigan defense is ruthless.

12:45 p.m. -- Penn State wanting to run the ball is definitely reasonable, but two straight runs have them in third-and-9, way behind the sticks. Michigan's defense is too good to keep ending up in third and long.

12:42 p.m. -- A bit of a rarity, PSU has its running back Singleton also returning kicks. He brings it out to his own 27-yard line, and PSU's offense will look for its first first down of the game as the quarter winds down.

12:37 p.m. -- Michigan tries a shovel pass but gets nowhere near the end zone as Penn State's defense once again clamps down. Michigan hits the field goal, but PSU's defense wins another battle in its own territory. Michigan 6, Penn State 0.

12:35 p.m. -- Penn State defense holds fast on the first two plays. After Corum got it down to the two, PSU bottles him up for a loss to make it a tough third down play.

12:34 p.m. -- After a questionable decision on first down that led to an incompletion, McCarthy shows off his running ability to the outside to make it third and manageable. On third down, finds Roman Wilson in a simple sit route to beat the zone. Michigan will have it first-and-goal from the six-yard line.

12:33 p.m. -- Pretty cool play design from Michigan on third-and-3, as they run play action and find Blake Corum running against the grain with the offensive line in zone blocking. Michigan converts and they're knocking at the door at the PSU 18-yard line.

12:30 p.m. -- After that big play, Michigan goes to the ground twice in a row for Corum and picks up another first down. Penn State's defense has a bend-but-don't-break look early on. We'll see how much pressure that puts on them and, eventually, the offense.

12:29 p.m. -- Michigan starts their second drive with a shot downfield, as McCarthy puts a 33-yard dimepiece on Cornelius Johnson to get back into PSU territory. Big play to start the second drive of the game.

12:25 p.m. -- And IMMEDIATELY Michigan wins the first battle. PSU goes to the ground on third-and-1 and the UM defense swarms them on the outside, forcing a three-and-out. Henning gets tackled at the 15-yard line for Michigan, and McCarthy and Michigan retake the field.

12:23 p.m. -- Nick Singleton and this Michigan defense is a matchup to watch. Singleton is averaging seven yards per carry this year, and Michigan is seventh in the country at 2.62 yards allowed.

12:22 p.m. -- Michigan kicks it into the end zone as well. Sean Clifford and PSU will start quickly from the 25-yard line.

12:19 p.m. -- Michigan's drive stalls as McCarthy sails one to Donovan Edwards out of the backfield. With a drive of over five minutes, Michigan caps it off with a field goal. Michigan 3, Penn State 0.

12:18 p.m. -- Blake Corum with an early puke moment. Big Noon Saturday is officially underway.

12:16 p.m. -- Michigan's gameplan here is straightforward. Quick timing routes for the 19-year-old McCarthy and powerful runs up the middle for Blake Corum. Jim Harbaugh wants his squad to stay ahead of the sticks.

12:13 p.m. -- Penn State puts itself in a bit of a hole early with a personal foul on the first play from scrimmage to put Michigan up near midfield. Not how you beat a Top 5 team of course. Michigan is running tempo early.

12:11 p.m. -- It's a capacity crowd at the Big House, and Penn State will kick to Michigan to start the game with a touchback. We're underway in Ann Arbor!

12:02 p.m. -- Welcome to Michigan vs. Penn State on this Big Noon Saturday! The No. 5 Wolverines are hosting the No. 10 Nittany Lions in a Big Ten East showdown with huge conference implications.

Michigan vs. Penn State start time

  • Date: Saturday, Oct. 15
  • Kickoff: Noon ET

The Wolverines and Nittany Lions' game will kick off at noon ET from Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich.

What channel is Michigan vs. Penn State on today?

  • TV channel (national): Fox
  • Live stream: FoxSports.com, fuboTV

Michigan vs. Penn State will broadcast nationally on Fox's "Big Noon Saturday." Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt will call the game while Jenny Taft reports from the sidelines.

Streaming options include FoxSports.com and fuboTV, which offers a free trial.

MORE: Week 7 picks against the spread for top-25 games

Penn State vs. Michigan odds

  • Spread: Michigan -7
  • Over/under: 50.5
  • Moneyline: Michigan -270, Penn State +240 (Caesars Sportsbook)

Penn State is a seven-point underdog heading into this game, with an over/under of 50.5 for the Big Ten matchup.

Penn State schedule 2022

Date Time Opponent Result
September 1 8:00 p.m. at Purdue* W 35–31
September 10 12:00 p.m. Ohio W 46–10
September 17 3:30 p.m. at Auburn W 41–12
September 24 12:00 p.m. Central Michigan W 33–14
October 1 3:30 p.m. Northwestern* W 17–7
October 15 12:00 p.m. at Michigan* L 17-41
October 22 7:30 p.m. Minnesota*  
October 29   Ohio State*  
November 5   at Indiana*  
November 12   Maryland*  
November 19   at Rutgers*  
November 26   Michigan State*  

* Big Ten game

Michigan schedule 2022

Date Time Opponent Result
September 3 12:00 p.m. Colorado State W 51–7
September 10 8:00 p.m. Hawaii W 56–10
September 17 12:00 p.m. UConn W 59–0
September 24 12:00 p.m. Maryland* W 34–27
October 1 12:00 p.m. at Iowa* W 27–14
October 8 12:00 p.m. at Indiana* W 31–10
October 15 12:00 p.m. Penn State* W 41-17
October 29 TBD Michigan State*  
November 5 TBD at Rutgers*  
November 12 TBD Nebraska*  
November 19 TBD Illinois*  
November 26 12:00 p.m. at Ohio State  

* Big Ten game

Kevin Skiver

Kevin Skiver Photo

Kevin Skiver has been a content producer at Sporting News since 2021. He previously worked at CBS Sports as a trending topics writer, and now writes various pieces on MLB, the NFL, the NBA, and college sports. He enjoys hiking and eating, not necessarily in that order.