Barkley, offense fires early, Penn State defense cleans up late vs. Michigan

STATE COLLEGE — The Penn State defense, in the end, did everything it was supposed to do and more.

Even as Michigan quarterback John O'Korn, in many ways, played his best game.

The tone was set throughout by senior middle linebacker Jason Cabinda, who was the game's biggest force around the line of scrimmage. He pilled up 13 tackles through three quarters with a sack and a forced fumble.

They didn't suffocate the Wolverines because that's not how this defense is built. Rather, they swarmed from beginning to end with depth and speed. They chased O'Korn from sideline to sideline as he desperately tried to stay alive.

Michigan tailback Karan Higdon was held in check throughout after gashing Indiana for 200 yards last week. He managed only 38 yards on 14 carries deep into the fourth quarter.

Now, for the three things we learned in Penn State's 42-13 victory over Michigan ...

Saquon, playcalling proves worth against top defense

The Michigan Wolverines came into the game giving up only 224 yards of total offense a game.

That was No. 1 nationally.

Saquon Barkley's running and Joe Moorhead's playcalling dented that in a big way as soon as the game began.

And it just kept coming after a brief lull.

Barkley took his first direct snap of the season on the second play and ripped through an overloaded line for a 69-yard touchdown.

On the next drive he took a well-designed option-pitch play for 15 yards and another score.

Penn State scored more points in the first half (21) than Michigan had given up in a game all season. It piled up 302 total yards before halftime.

Barkley ran for 109 yards at the break. The Wolverines were giving up only 86 rushing yards per game.

Even when the Wolverines adjusted, a well-run drive just before halftime ended in a crisp, option touchdown run by Trace McSorley.

Despite a shaky throwing start by McSorley, Moorhead and the offense kept the Michigan defense guessing much of the night. 

The clincher was the well-designed wheel route by Barkley early in the fourth quarter. He bobbled the perfect throw but held on before crossing the goal line to complete the 42-yard pass play.

By then, the Lions had racked up 426 yards on that defense.

Hamilton truly No. 1 guy Lions searching for

DaeSean Hamilton did set the all-time receiving mark a few weeks ago.

But he's a quiet guy. He's not the big, acrobatic game-breaker.

He seemed lost in the middle of his career here.

But when Penn State's offense suddenly struggled Saturday night and was in danger of giving away every bit of the stunning momentum they earned, the senior came up with the biggest plays.

None was bigger than a diving, over-the-shoulder grab on third down that set up the Lions' touchdown just before halftime. 

It restored confidence, woke up the crowd and helped provide the crucial eight-point cushion before the break.

His three catches for 69 yards led everyone halfway through. Before the end of the third quarter had added three more and was the hottest offensive player on the field.

Lions' all-around effort growing with the season

There was a lot of pressure on the Nittany Lions Saturday night.

They had the crowd. They were the big favorite. They were expected to finally slay Michigan and dominate a struggling offense.

But the Wolverines were still 5-1. They still had their own impressive defense.

And a lot of times expectations don't work out the way you think in college football. Ask Clemson, Washington, Oklahoma, USC. 

This Penn State team, though, delivered in every facet on this night. More impressively, they are doing it in all three phases with a roster still growing into itself.

The offense and Barkley exploded early. Blake Gillilkin and the special teams held their ground nicely when the night started to lose some steam.

And the defense knocked out the Wolverines after halftime without much hard work.

When one area dips, the other two seem to pick it up. No better example of that was McSorley's running (three touchdowns) and the defense rotating 10 and 11 linemen, no one accumulating big stats or accolades.