If Michigan's earlier losses to Notre Dame and Wisconsin hurt, the 23-20 loss to Minnesota was agonizing.

The Gophers were Michigan's personal whipping boys. Michigan beat Minnesota 16 straight games. This time around, the wounded Gophers were playing without QB Bryan Cupito, but they were able to forge a decisive 61-yard run by their backup running back in the game's closing moments. The Wolverines were in shock when freshman PK Jason Giannini booted a 30-yard field goal with one second remaining to give Minnesota the victory.

Michigan CB Leon Hall said that after watching the play on tape, it was clear that not every defender was hustling on the play.

"After watching it, we had some guys kind of loafing," Hall told gathered media. "We lost leverage, and, because we lost leverage, those loafs really didn't help us. It was a combination of a lot of things.

"To be honest, I'm not sure what they were thinking. But knowing the guys who were loafing, they know. I'm sure they're down on themselves about it. As a team, I don't think we want to get on them so much just 'cause they're getting on themselves probably a lot harder than we would."

Michigan has a chance to make a statement this week against resurgent Penn State. The 6-0 Nittany Lions are the only undefeated team in the Big Ten and Joe Paterno now has a big-play offense to go along with a very nasty and hard-hitting defense. It's just the kind of game the Wolverines need to keep from feeling sorry for themselves.

Look for Michigan's best effort against Penn State -- and no more loafing from the defense. The Wolverines will be playing for redemption.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Wolverines have been better on this side of the ball than expected. They have the No. 1 pass defense in the conference, allowing 171.2 passing yards per game. However, the lack of hustle on Gary Russell's 61-yard run late in the fourth quarter probably cost the Wolverines a chance for victory in their loss to Minnesota.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "It's a nightmare, but we just have to come back. The sign of a true champion is how they come back, and now we'll see what this team's all about. We're 3-3. That's motivation right there. We can't lose anymore. We're a great team and I think we're better than all three teams that we lost to." -- Michigan RB Mike Hart after the 23-20 loss to Minnesota. Michigan has also lost to Notre Dame and Wisconsin this season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB Mike Hart -- If there are any special qualities to Michigan's offense right now, they are provided by Hart and WR Jason Avant. Hart had 109 yards vs. Minnesota and scored a second-quarter touchdowns. Hart has 448 yards and three TDs this season.

QB Chad Henne -- He is clearly not the quarterback he was a year ago. A week after his best game of the season against Michigan State, Henne completed 14-of-29 passes for 155 yards against defensively porous Minnesota. Henne must get more aggressive.

WR Jason Avant -- He has a Big Ten-leading 45 catches and is third in the conference with an average of 97.8 receiving yards per game. Avant has proven he can make the difficult catch and is a fearless player.

LB David Harris -- After a solid game against Minnesota, Harris is second on the team to Grant Mason with 44 tackles. He also has four TFL and three passes defensed.

ROSTER REPORT: Defensive linemen Rondell Biggs (knee) is not expected to play against Penn State. Defensive back Willis Barringer (knee) is doubtful. Defensive lineman Jeremy Van Alstyne (hamstring), linebacker Scott McClintock (back) and defensive back Brandent Englemon (undisclosed) are questionable. Offensive lineman Grant DeBenedictis (knee) is expected to miss the entire season. Defensive back Ryan Mundy (shoulder) is expected to miss the remainder of the season.