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Update: Michigan State walked out of Columbus with a 17-14 victory, meaning that Penn State must beat the Spartans next week combined with a Michigan win over Ohio State for a trip to Indy.
No. 12 Michigan (9-2, 6-1 B1G) handled Penn State (7-4, 4-3 B1G) by a score of 28-16 to keep its conference title aspirations alive.
The win puts Michigan at 4-0 on the road in conference play, which is the first time they have done so since the 1997 season.
Jake Rudock had another good outing, going 25 for 38 with 256 yards, two touchdowns, an interception and a fumble lost.
Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg struggled and was hit all day by Michigan's defensive line. He finished the day 13 for 31 for 137 yards and a touchdown.
Penalties were a problem today. The Wolverines had 13 for 117 yards. The officiating at times on Saturday was questionable, but there were more than a few prior to the snap.
Penn State got things started in the first quarter with a 56-yard run by Saquon Barkley, but they had to settle for a field goal. The Wolverines responded with a touchdown drive that was capped off by a 26-yard reception by Jake Butt, who became the sixth Michigan tight end in program history to eclipse 1,000 career receiving yards.
The two teams exchanged touchdowns in the second quarter with Saeed Blacknall hauling in a 25-yard pass from Hackenberg. Michigan took the lead back at 14-10 just prior to the half on an 11-yard touchdown catch from Amara Darboh. A one-yard run from Sione Houma stretched the lead to 21-10 after three quarters.
A pair of field goals from Tyler Davis helped Penn State whittle down the deficit to 21-16. Michigan put this one away with a one-yard touchdown rush from Smith to extend the lead to 28-16.
With today's victory, Michigan has done its part to set up a Big Ten East Championship showdown next week against Ohio State should the Buckeyes beat Michigan State.