Three Takeaways From Penn State’s 21-18 Loss to Michigan

Three Takeaways From Penn State’s 21-18 Loss to Michigan

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Three Takeaways From Penn State’s 21-18 Loss to Michigan
Buchanan #6 of the Michigan Wolverines dives forward for extra yardage against Jamison Patton #3 and Zion Tracy #7 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half of a college football game at Michigan Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 17: J.J. Buchanan #6 of the Michigan Wolverines dives forward for extra yardage against Jamison Patton #3 and Zion Tracy #7 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half of a college football game at Michigan Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

1) Killer turnovers

Penn State held on for dear life for most of the game. In the third quarter, Michigan used three Rocco Becht turnovers —two interceptions and a fumble, to put the game out of reach.

2) A little bit of courage

Michigan was doing nothing on offense with Bryce Underwood at quarterback. In the second half, Kyle Whittingham decided to give Tommy Carr a try. It worked out well for them.

I wonder if there’s a backup Penn State —what am I saying Matt Campbell would rather go 3-9 than bench Becht.

3) Inopportune big plays

The approach of forcing them to drive down the field was working all first half. The combination of a competent quarterback switch, and the inability to stop the run finally catching up to the team, sealed it late.

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