Michigan running back Donovan Edwards (7) rush the ball against Penn State in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – James Franklin apologized for a tardier-than-usual arrival to the post-game press conference Saturday.

He said he first wanted to see the statistics.

They were even worse than what he watched unfold as Michigan rushed for 418 yards – the third-highest total ever against a Penn State team – and bludgeoned the Nittany Lions, 41-17, before 110,812 at Michigan Stadium.

“I’m not happy with that number,” he said. “At all.”

Penn State was manhandled on both sides of the line of scrimmage as unbeaten Michigan (7-0) rolled up 563 total yards, converted 11 of 17 third downs and kept the ball for 41:56 of the game’s 60 minutes.

Michigan scored on eight of its 10 drives and didn’t punt.

“Offensively, we weren’t able to stay on the field, and defensively, we weren’t able to get off the field,” Franklin said. “They controlled the line of scrimmage, and they controlled the game.”

When the Lions were able to get the ball, they could do precious little with it, managing just one first down in the first half (to Michigan’s 18).

Somehow, though, they trailed just 16-14 at halftime largely due to two plays – a 64-yard run by Sean Clifford that set up a touchdown and an interception returned for a score by Curtis Jacobs.

Though the team felt it had gathered momentum, rebounding from a 13-0 hole, defensive tackle P.J. Mustipher said, “We still weren’t playing good football.”

The Lions marched down the field to start the second half – Clifford finding Harrison Wallace III for 48 yards was the key play — and made a go-ahead field goal (17-16).

But they went the final 28 minutes without another point and during that time, their defense, which turned back Michigan several times in the red zone in the first half, totally collapsed.

Twice it was gouged for 60-yard touchdowns – the first by Donovan Edwards to lift UM up 24-17 (after the 2-point conversion) and next a back-breaking 61-yard score by Blake Corum.

Both came right up the middle.

“That’s really just execution,” Mustipher said.

Still in the game and driving, down 24-17, the Lions were hurt by an offensive pass interference penalty that wiped out a first down at the Michigan 27 and forced the Nits into a fourth-and-6 at the Wolverines’ 39.

Franklin decided against a punt there, saying, “You get to a point from a score and clock perspective where you’re trying to win the game, and I don’t think it (punting) gives you your best chance to win.”

The reality was there was plenty of time left, but after a Clifford overshot Parker Washington on fourth down at the sidelines, Corum immediately went 61 yards for a 31-17 lead with 7:20 left in the third quarter.

We can split hairs over the decision not to punt — from this view, Franklin lacked patience and should have tried to pin UM deep — but it didn’t cost the Lions the game.

Not when Michigan averaged 7.6 yards on 55 carries.

“It hurts man,” Mustipher said. “Anytime a team rushes for that many yards, it hurts. As a D-line, we pride ourselves on stopping the run, and we didn’t do that today.”

Franklin went as far as to suggest a re-evaluation of the team’s approach to the position.

“We have to develop, we have to recruit, we’ve got to get bigger,” he said. “We’re undersized at some spots. Everybody thinks they’re Aaron Donald (285 pounds), and they’re not.”

And so for the second straight year, a 5-0 start has ended with the thud of a disappointing loss.

Clifford was replaced by Drew Allar in the fourth quarter – Clifford was injured, Franklin said – and plenty of questions will linger this week as the Lions attempt to regroup.

Will Clifford be able to return? Even so, will he be on a short leash with Minnesota in town for the whiteout game and Ohio State to follow?

Franklin has trouble shaking off losses. In the last five seasons, the Lions are 1-4 after suffering their first loss.

“We can’t let one loss turn into another loss,” Mustipher said.

Also troubling is the fact that the Lions did not appear overly prepared despite coming off a bye week. Penn State is 3-7 after byes under Franklin, whose PSU tenure sunk to 2-9 vs. the Top 10.

Sensing this will be viewed as more than one loss – and because of the opponent, the size of egg laid by the Lions and his still-fresh massive contract extension, it will be – Franklin is attempting to align support.

“This game can’t linger,” he said. “We’re going to need everybody in that locker room and everybody in Happy Valley to stick with us and rally around us. We’re 5-1. The losses aren’t bigger than what they are and the wins aren’t bigger than what they are.

“And it starts with me: What can I do better?”

The first thing is figure out how a team – any team – can rush for 418 yards against Penn State.

Neil Rudel covers Penn State football and can be reached at 814-946-7527 or nrudel@altoonamirror.com.