UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – On the first play of Michigan’s game-winning drive Saturday at Penn State, Hassan Haskins received the hand-off on a read-option and made a few quick cuts before bursting through a hole.
The senior running back was met by two Penn State defenders near the first-down marker, but he continued to bulldoze ahead with the defenders draped over him, turning a potential 9-yard gain into a 17-yard pickup.
Haskins had been Michigan’s best offensive player in the game, and the Wolverines continued to feed him. He carried five consecutive times to begin the drive, setting up a 47-yard touchdown pass from Cade McNamara to tight end Erick All that gave the team a 21-17 lead with 3:29 remaining.
After Michigan’s defense forced a turnover on downs on Penn State’s ensuing drive, Haskins iced it for the Wolverines (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten). His 12-yard run on second-and-9 allowed McNamara to get into victory formation and run out the clock.
“He’s just got a quality about him where he wants to and will take the team on his back,” head coach Jim Harbaugh said of Haskins, who had a career-high 31 carries for 156 yards. “That’s his mindset. That’s what he did. Over 100 yards rushing in the second half and 150 or so for the day. Obviously, they’re keying on Hassan.
“You know how much I love Hassan. He’s incredible, so I just enjoy the incredible of what he can do.”
With Blake Corum, who is considered Michigan’s primary receiving running back, out because of injury, Haskins served as the team’s every-down for a second straight game.
The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder entered Saturday with 12 career receptions in 31 games but had a team-high five catches for 45 yards against the Nittany Lions (6-4, 3-4).
Haskins kept Michigan’s first touchdown drive alive in the second quarter. After catching a screen pass, he turned up field and stiff-armed a Penn State defender, breaking free for a 15-yard gain on third-and-13.
Later on the drive, his last-second lunge was enough to pick up a first down on a fourth-and-2 carry.
“Hassan is really one of the dudes that’s the heart and soul of this team,” McNamara said. “His grittiness, his toughness is hard to compare to. His performance today was big for our offense and big for this team.”
Haskins is only 15 yards away from reaching 1,000 rushing yards this season. The St. Louis, Missouri native has eclipsed the 100-yard mark in four of the past five games and continues to galvanize his teammates.
“It’s incredible,” All said. “He saved my butt a few times. Anytime when a running back is breaking tackles and making plays out of nothing, it’s just incredible to watch. Man runs hard and plays with pride.”
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