Penn State report card vs. Michigan: Lions roll on all cylinders like never before

STATE COLLEGE — This may well be the most balanced Penn State football team in ages.

Not the best offense (like 1994).

Not the best defense (like 1986).

But the combination of all three phases, including special teams, is still growing steam and that was on full display in Saturday's white out 42-13 dismantling of Michigan.

"That doesn't happen very often," coach James Franklin said. "Where offense, defense and special teams are all playing good enough to win. There's still a lot of things we can improve on which is the exciting thing."

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How quickly can No. 2 Penn State improve even more from this victory? A trending Ohio State team at home awaits next Saturday in the Horseshoe.

For now, though, here are the latest grades for the undefeated Nittany Lions ...

Offense: A-

Almost shocking how thoroughly the Lions dissected the No. 1 statistical defense in the country, especially after some early mishaps and a first-half lull.

But the end numbers really don't lie: Penn State doubled the normal production against Michigan with 506 total yards and 42 points coming in all means. Even though Trace McSorley was shaky early throwing with one interception and nearly another, he not only settled down but turned in probably his best day running.

The gameplanning and playcalling were superb, especially early, when it mattered most. Senior receiver DaeSean Hamilton made the field-stretching catches in the middle when it was mandatory to break the Wolverines' grip on things.

This group is still not finely tuned like some expect. But by now we know that may not matter all that much with the array of weapons and determination.

Especially, of course, when you have Saquon Barkley doing Heisman Trophy things at just the right time.

Defense: A

They clamped down on a limited offense that actually played better than advertised.

This defense adjusted and dominated, even with Michigan quarterback John O'Korn playing markedly better on the run than during his first two starts this season.

Senior linebacker Jason Cabinda set the tone with 13 tackles, senior defensive tackles Curtis Cothran and Parker Cothren not only plugged the middle but each delivered a key sack — two of seven on the evening.

The Wolverines managed only 103 rushing yards after Karan Higdon ran for 200 by himself last week at Indiana.

This stat says a lot: This defense is the only one in the nation that still has not given up any first-quarter points this year. 

Special teams: B

Nothing flashy but solid all-around play, starting with punter Blake Gillikin. He did rescue the Lions early from their own end zone with a 56-yard punt.

They did bend a bit more than usual on a couple of kickoff returns but, most importantly, did not commit a potential game-changing error. 

Overall, they continue to be a steady strength and backbone of the team. More consistent than in any time in recent memory.

Coaching: A

No one has attacked Michigan's defense remotely close to this effort, so big kudos to coordinator Joe Moorhead, line coach Matt Limegrover and the rest of the staff.

And kudos for guys like McSorley and Barkley pulling off the plan to rush the Lions out of the gate once more. They displayed the direct-snap "wildcat" formation for the first time all season and Barkley used it to run for a 69-yard score on the second offensive play of the game.

The pass blocking was formidable, overall, considering the opponent. And it was wise to use McSorley's legs more than usual, considering the powerful Wolverines seemed to struggle against mobile quarterbacks.

He made them pay with three running scores.

Overall: A-

This dominating effort was close to everything desired, especially against a top-shelf defense.

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Sure, you can nitpick. The Lions only created one turnover, when they thrive on producing two or three a game. And they did allow Michigan to momentarily grab back momentum from the end of the first quarter to the end of the second.

But they didn't panic because they really never do. And they adjusted swiftly and decisively in all facets shortly after halftime.

Plus, they look like they're having a blast going about their work. That's got to mean something heading into a road test next Saturday that would give many teams pause.