No. 3 Michigan, playing without suspended coach Jim Harbaugh, posted an emotional 24–15 road win over No. 10 Penn State at Beaver Stadium on Saturday.
The Wolverines, who improved to 10–0 (7–0 in the Big Ten), earned their first victory over a ranked opponent this season.
Michigan emerged victorious thanks in part to a powerful ground game that gained 227 rushing yards (averaging 4.9 yards per carry) and three touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Wolverines suffocated the Penn State passing game holding quarterback Drew Allar to 10-of-22 passing for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Bet.#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/rsvBTXdcaG
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) November 11, 2023
Wolverine players, who embraced a “Michigan vs. Everyone” battle cry, backed up the defiant one-word message of “bet,” posted by current players as well as famous alumnus Tom Brady and school president Santa Ono, with a dominant display on both sides of the ball.
Michigan, will head on the road again next week for a battle with Maryland, prior to a massive Big Ten home showdown with No. 1 Ohio State on Nov. 25.
Despite the road win over a ranked team, Michigan was unable to silence the critics who claimed they hadn't beaten any top teams. On social media, the college football world criticized the quality of the Big Ten conference as well as the impressiveness of Michigan's road win.
If this Michigan-Penn State game is the best the B1G has to offer, UGA or Bama is about to win another Natty.
— Matt Moscona (@MattMoscona) November 11, 2023
This is just atrocious.
Todays Michigan -Penn State game continues to show me that the BIG10 is still overrated and so are the AP and Coaches’ Poll.
— Troy Fleming (@tflemin44) November 11, 2023
The Big 10 is a joke. Michigan/Penn State game was painful.
— JH (@jh110845) November 11, 2023
That’s a good win for Michigan, Penn State isn’t good. Both things can be true
— Steve (@SteveBird27) November 11, 2023
Is that Michigan win supposed to be impressive? There are multiple teams in the P12 better than Penn State. That QB is awful.
— Brian Nemhauser (@hawkblogger) November 11, 2023