Poor James Millon.

The kid waits his turn like all good Penn State players should and, as a fifth-year senior seeing time mostly on special teams, commits a penalty that may or may not have been warranted against Michigan during a key spot in the game.

Millon, a cornerback, is the unfortunate soul who got called for roughing the kicker at the end of the third quarter. The penalty negated a Penn State three-and-out defensive stand and allowed the Wolverines to march 80 yards for a score that made it 14-13.

Had there been no penalty, Penn State would have had the ball at their own 43-yard line, and a 13-7 lead.

Instead, Michigan got back in the game and from that point on quarterback John Navarre was 10-for-13 with 108 yards and two touchdown passes.

Millon did not appear to be trying to block the kick. (A Penn State coach later said off the record that they were not in block formation.)

His momentum carried him into Michigan punter Adam Finley. Finley almost kicked Millon as he brought his leg back down, which made the play look much worse than it was.

Millon may have gotten a finger-tip on the ball. The replay was inconclusive. Millon clearly could not hold up on the play and therefore should not have been charged with the 15-yard personal foul that also results in an automatic first down. The 5-yard running into the kicker penalty would have been more appropriate. A bad break for Penn State -- the story of the day.

Day to remember

Offense: John Navarre, Michigan, QB. Prior to this week, Navarre probably thought his first name was "much-maligned." He proved a lot with a gutsy performance.

Defense: Marlin Jackson, Michigan, CB: Jackson couldn't handle Bryant Johnson until the last Penn State offensive play, in overtime, when it really mattered.

Day to forget

Offense: Robbie Gould, Penn State, K. Last week, he had the day to remember. This week, a missed field goal and extra point. Oh, how times do chance. "Kickers are kickers," said Paterno.

Defense: Marlin Jackson, Michigan, CB: See above.

Did you notice?

Penn State defensive tackle and Detroit native Anthony Adams was a captain for the first time this season ... The deplorable condition of the field at the Big House ... The police ushering All-America mascot the Nittany Lion away from the Michigan student section under a hail of water bottles ... Michael Robinson as a return man on kickoffs ... the inflated, six-foot male genitalia that was ceremoniously bounced around the Michigan student section in the third quarter.

Finally

Paterno, a man who constantly talks about how well a team responds to adversity, gave a historic performance in his role as the sore loser. Will his team follow suit against Northwestern?