BOUNCING BACK: Michigan Not Out of Big Ten Picture

Joe Paterno is old. Really old. Joe Paterno has also won a lot of games. A lot of games against a lot of teams. But there is this team from one state that Joe Paterno can't seem to beat.

And Mr. Paterno ran into that team Saturday afternoon as the Wolverines of Michigan handed Penn State their first loss of the season and their 9th consecutive loss to Michigan.

It's not like it was hard to figure out what the Wolverines were going to do: Mike Hart, Mike Hart, Mike Hart. Left, Middle, Right.

And despite running against a Nittany Lion defense that was stacked against him, Hart still managed to rush for 153 yards on a career-high 44 carries and score the winning touchdown in the 4th quarter, all the while showing a spirit of fire and leadership that carried his teammates to the win.

In his second career start, frosh QB Ryan Mallet was solid, throwing the ball for 170 and rushing for the other Wolverine score. His opponent on the other side of the field, didn't have as much success. Anthony Morelli continued to frustrate Penn State fans across the globe completing only 15-31 throws, going 0-4 with two near-picks on the final drive. No receiver had more than 3 catches, all limited by Morelli's inaccuracy.

With the passing game struggling, Penn State turned to the ground, but RB Austin Scott might want to take some lessons from Mike Hart when it comes to hanging on to the ball. Just when Penn State was finally putting together a solid drive, Scott fumbled yet again this season, killing a rally.

It's hard to hold on to your spot as the #1 back when you have a fumbling problem.

After two humiliating losses to open the season, suddenly Michigan is back at .500 and looks like a legitimate player in the Big Ten title race after knocking off a team many thought would win the conference.

Penn State started the season well too after beating up on Florida International, Notre Dame, and Buffalo. But those teams weren't very good. Penn State knew they would be tested last week and tested they were. Now they'll need to saddle up if they still want a Championship.

And Joe Paterno is old enough to know that.

—C. Nierman