Michigan 24, Penn State 15
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy is in the running to be the third quarterback drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft behind only USC’s Caleb Williams and North Carolina’s Drake Maye. This season the Wolverines have been dominating and blowing out a string of weak opponents, so it was interesting to see how McCarthy would handle his first real challenging test of the season. Penn State’s defense did a nice job of defending the pass, and Michigan turned to a ground based offense.
After some punts, McCarthy converted a third-and-long by using his legs to get down the sideline and pick up the necessary yardage. McCarthy showed nice athleticism and speed on the play. That helped set up a rushing touchdown for Michigan. In the third quarter McCarthy used his legs to get a gain of nine on a fourth-and-1. That play set up a field goal. Early in the fourth quarter McCarthy made a poor read not getting his eyes to a wide open receiver. McCarthy made a poor throw behind his receiver, but a pass interference provided a first down and yardage. Against Penn State, McCarthy only had eight pass attempts and had seven completions for 60 yards.
Overall this tape is not going to help McCarthy, nor will it hurt him significantly. He showed his running ability with athleticism and toughness. McCarthy has a quality arm and can throw the ball accurately. Quarterbacks can get pushed up in the draft as there are always teams desperate for a starter that aren’t picking high in the first round. McCarthy has the potential to be a quarterback that rises into the first round during the draft process. He also could return to Michigan next season. If he doesn’t go in the first round, he will be a day-two pick.
Penn State has two cornerbacks that will be playing on Sundays in Johnny Dixon and Kalen King. Dixon has been very good this year while King has really struggled. With Michigan staying committed to the ground game, Dixon and King were not thrown at very much. In the first half King had a good open field tackle downfield at the six yard line. In the fourth quarter King reacted late to a route and that led to him being out of position. King ran into the chest of the receiver to draw a pass interference. Overall, this tape won’t hurt or help either defensive back significantly.
While the Penn State defense stifled the Wolverines passing attack, Michigan had their workhorse back in Blake Corum available to carry the load. Corum stepped up and did the heavy lifting churning out tough yardage. He had a short rushing touchdown in the first half and helped Michigan win the time of possession. Late in the fourth quarter Corum put the game away with a 30-yard touchdown run. Corum totaled 145 yards on 26 carries with two touchdowns.
Corum looks like a potential starter in the NFL. He has good vision and patience to let plays develop. With a strong build, Corum can pick up yards after contact and is able to push through tacklers. Corum will need work in pass protection and receiving for the next level, but he could be a starter and steady back as a pro. In the 2024 NFL Draft, Corum could be a day-two pick.