Michigan Has Heart, I mean Hart
Jeremiah O. Sarkett |Sep 24,2007
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 Michigan Has Heart, I mean Hart
The senior running back had another monster game and helped lift the Michigan Wolverines to their second straight home win after two of the biggest home losses in school history. Hart hit the 100-yard mark for the 23rd time in his career, breaking Anthony Thomas’s all-time Michigan record as well as smashing a career high with 44 carries. Hart’s 153 yards and touchdown were just enough to hold off Joe Paterno and Penn State. Paterno has now lost the last nine meetings to Michigan, which is the longest winning streak by one team over the famed coach.
It was an obvious game plan for Michigan -- everyone in the Big House knew what Lloyd Carr was going to do. Here was the Michigan game plan-- give it to Hart and make sure he gets at least one block. This is exactly what Michigan did -- they rode their horse to an impressive win and are back in the mix of things with two straight wins and two dominating defensive performances.
Michigan’s defense played inspired, swarming Penn State and holding the Nittany Lion offense to only three field goals. Michigan also forced two fumbles and held Penn State to only 101 rushing yards and only 270 total yards. After getting shelled shocked by Appalachian State and Oregon for 73 points, the Maize and Blue have allowed just 16.
The Nittany Lions’ defense coming into Saturday’s battle had also been terrific, especially their run defense. "Penn State has had great teams down through the years, and this is an outstanding football team in every phase of the game," stated Carr said. "It's truly one of the best Penn State defensive teams that I've seen."
But Penn State could not stop the Michigan running attack and that created opportunities for freshman Ryan Mallett. The 6 foot 7 inch freshman made key throws late in the game, helping Michigan control the ball. Mallett added a rushing touchdown early in the game that seemed to lift the Michigan offense. Mallett ended the day 16-of-29 for 170 yards. "He's show time," Hart said. "He loves the spotlight." Mallett has looked very poised for a freshman, and with his rocket arm he has all the tools to be a great quarterback.
Lloyd Carr is now 17-8 against Top 10 teams, but coming into Saturday’s game, had lost five of his previous seven. “Sometimes in life, you get a wake up call,” said Carr. I think the two bombs that were dropped on Ann Arbor by Appalachian State and Oregon have woken up the Michigan defense. Hart has also taken the team on his shoulders and has given Michigan enough confidence to stay with Mallett until Chad Henne is FULLY ready to come back.
From My Note Pad
• Adrian Arrington was Mallett’s favorite target hauling in six catches for 70 yards and added a spectacular side line snag. Mario Manningham was also a big part of the Michigan passing game as he added 61 yards on six catches, including big grabs late in the game.
• Michigan held Rodeny Kinlaw to just 69 rushing yards and Austin Scott had a costly fumble and was held to only 35 yards on nine carries.
• Michigan again had issues on special teams missing another field goal -- when is Michigan going to recruit a real place kicker?
• Hart continues his bid for the Heisman Trophy and has to be on the top of the list after another impressive performance.
• Shawn Crable led the Michigan defense and out played Penn State All-American Dan Connor.
• Jake Long had a terrific game and really frustrated Connor and the Penn State front four.
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