Michigan defense knocks Penn State quarterbacks for a loop

The Michigan defense kept up relentless pressure on the Nittany Lions' QBs and Penn State was forced to resort to playing the #3 QB on their depth chart. The Wolverines' defense registered seven (7) sacks for 65 negative yards. The defense limited Penn State to minus 14 yards rushing on 25 carries. The Wolverines held Penn State without a rushing touchdown and without any third quarter points. That means the Wolverines defense has been able to accomplish those two feats in six of seven games this season. Only MSU has scored a rushing TD and scored on Michigan's defense in the 3rd quarter this season.

DE LaMarr Woodley registered two sacks (for -23 yards) against Penn State while his DE counter-part Rondell Biggs also registered two sacks (for -15 yards). NG Terrence Taylor racked up his first sack of the year during this game and LB Shawn Crable and DE Tim Jamison also registered sacks against the Nittany Lions. Defensive Coordinator Ron English will be pleased that the Wolverines' defense was able to register 7 sacks vs. Penn State as the defense had only tallied one sack in the previous two Big 10 games (Minnesota and MSU). However, Coach English will want more production from the defense in terms of turnovers. The defense failed to force a turnover against Penn State and has forced only two turnovers (2 interceptions vs. MSU) in four Big 10 conference games. Go Blue!

*Note: Photo of Alan Branch (80) by John T. Greilick/The Detroit News