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Penn State Football: Trace McSorley, Saquon Barkley lead Nittany Lions over Michigan

By Barry Leonard Jr.

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 21: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes for a 69 yard touchdown in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines on October 21, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 21: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes for a 69 yard touchdown in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines on October 21, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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Penn State took advantage of the large White Out crowd inside of Beaver Stadium Saturday night. 

With a record crowd of 110, 823 people inside of Beaver Stadium on Saturday night, the Nittany Lions gave the home fans plenty to get loud about. Saquon Barkley took the second play of the game 69 yards for a score on a direct snap and the Nittany Lions never looked back.

Penn State defended it’s No. 2 ranking and got revenge on the Wolverines by defeating them 42-13. 

After the Barkley score electrified the crowd, he scored four minutes later on a 15-yard run that put the Nittany Lions up 14-0 early.

However, just when it looked like the Nittany Lions were going to run away and hide in the second quarter, Trace McSorley threw an interception deep in his own territory that eventually led to a Michigan touchdown. The Wolverines later scored again in the second quarter to pull to within one.

That’s when Penn State did what it does best. The offense had a fantastic answer to the Michigan touchdown by driving 75 yards on seven plays late in the second quarter and capping it off with a three-yard touchdown run by McSorley.

Penn State took over in the second half, particularly on defense. The Nittany Lions upped their pressure on Michigan quarterback John O’Korn and allowed zero points.

On offense, Penn State continued to pull away.

McSorley rushed in from 13 yards in the third quarter to help pad the lead. The quarterback finished the game with 11 rushes for 76 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw for 282 yards and a score.

Barkley — a Heisman Trophy favroite — shined bright on the big, primetime stage. He racked up 108 yards with two touchdowns. He also added three receptions, including a 42-yard juggling touchdown catch that will be played over and over on the highlight reels.

Wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton had another big game with six catches for 115 yards.

Penn State racked up 506 total yards on offense.

On the defensive side of the ball, Penn State continued to impress. The Nittany Lions held Michigan to 269 total yards and just 13 points. Senior linebacker Jason Cabinda had a monster game under the lights, racking up 13 total tackles and a sack. The Nittany Lions forced seven total sacks in the game.

With the win, Penn State moved to 7-0 before heading into next week’s huge matchup at Ohio State. Kickoff for that game is set for 3:30 p.m.

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