Rewind: 1993 at Penn State

This week Michigan plays Penn State for the 15th time in the storied history of both programs. It may be hard to believe, but prior to Penn State joining the Big Ten these two schools had never met on the football field. This week I am going to rewind to the initial game between the Wolverines and Nittany Lions. The game was nationally televised (on ABC) and was called by the classic team of Keith Jackson/Bob Griese/Lynn Swann.

Heading into the game Penn State was undefeated and ranked in the top ten. Michigan had 2 losses, including one the week before in East Lansing. Key players for Michigan on offense include QB Todd Collins, RB Tyronne Wheatley, WR Derrick Alexander, and a very young Jon Runyan.

1st Quarter: Michigan took the opening kickoff and marched right down to field in ten plays to the Penn State 20 yard line. At this point the ridiculous "college football crowd noise" rule that was in place became a factor. The Beaver Stadium crowd was so loud that the game was delayed 3 times and it cost Joe Paterno a time out. Eventually it was quiet enough for Michigan to run a play. The offense failed to convert and Peter Elezovic missed an easy field goal, much to the delight of the Penn Staters.

Penn State took over featuring RB Ki-Jana Carter and QB Kerry Collins. Their inital drive was essentially an exact replica of the Wolverines drive, minus the crowd noise penalty. They slash and smash the ball for 11 plays taking it inside the 5 yard line, but were stopped in the shadow of the goal line. Penn State kicker Craig Fayak missed his 25 yard FG attempt.

Penn State does eventually hits a field goal near the end of the quarter to take a 3-0 lead.

2nd Quarter: Penn State opens the quarter much like they spent the 1st quarter, riding on the shifty moves of Ki-Jana Carter. Collins throws a beautiful touchdown pass to Bobby Engram to give Penn State a 10-0 lead. Things do not look good at this point for Gary Moeller's team.

A couple of series later, Derrick Alexander breaks off an exciting 48 yard punt return for touchdown. Making the score 10-7 with about 5 minutes left in the half. There was no more scoring heading into halftime.

3rd Quarter: Michigan opens the 3rd quarter much like the opened the game, running the ball into the teeth of the Penn State defense with Wheatley and Ricky Powers. Just like with the first drive, Michigan misses a short FG -- but Penn State was flagged for being off sides, giving Todd Collins a first down and another chance inside the 20. Collins hits Mercury Hayes for a diving toe-touching 16 yard touchdown. Michigan now leads 14-10.

Penn State gets the ball back and quickly marches inside the five yard line, helped by two questionable pass interference calls made on Ty Law. At this point, the Michigan defense prevents a touchdown run for 3 straight plays and the quarter ends.

4th Quarter: Penn State starts the 4th quarter inside the one yard line facing a 4th down. Paterno goes for it and our line beat the Penn State line like it was the 2007 wolverines and Ki-Jana Carter was stuffed. The defense celebrates a HUGE goal line stand.

Michigan digs itself out from the 1 foot line with the help of freshman Jon Ritchie. He is a Pennsylvania native that eventually transferred to Stanford and played for fullback for 49ers and Eagles in the NFL. But we had to punt, giving Paterno great field position. Penn State takes the ball, drives inside the 10 yard line but stalls and settles for a field goal. Michigan still leads 14-13.

Following the Penn State field goal, Tyronne Wheately took over literally carrying the team inside the 10 yard line with about 6 minutes left in the game. The long 47 yarder was classic a Wheatley rumble, combining speed/size/power better than any Michigan back in history. On 3rd down, Todd Collins hits fullback Che Foster on a swing pass for a touchdown. Michigan expands the lead to 21-13.

Penn State's offense is silent on the next drive and punts the ball down 8 points with 4:20 left. Wheatley and the offensive line officially welcome Penn State to the Big Ten , grinding out several first downs and chewing up the clock. With about one minute left, Moeller goes for a fourth down on about the 35 yard line, looking to close the game out. However, Foster is stuffed and Penn State gets the ball back with 52 seconds and no time outs. But Kerry Collins shows why he was last in the B10 conference in passing, throwing an interception to Shante Peoples.

What did we learn ? The crowd noise rule sucked. Despite the two losses, the 1993 version of Michigan was a strong team. A strong offensive and defensive line can make a difference in a tight game. Goal line stands can provide a huge emotional lift for a team. Penn State fans learned how to deal with the first of many heartbreaking losses to Michigan. Both Tyronne Wheatley and Ki-Jana Carter were great college running backs. Joe Paterno was really old in 1993.

You can snag a copy of this game here or watch the Wolverine Historian's YouTube highlights.