It's hard to see a bright spot for Penn State football after dropping its fourth straight game in a turnover-riddled performance to Michigan on the road, but if there is one, it would easily be Chase Sowell.
In the Nittany Lions' 21-18 loss to the Wolverines, the redshirt senior and Iowa State transfer was the best wide receiver on the field from either team, recording 11 catched for 151 yards and a touchdown. It was Sowell's best game by far in a Penn State uniform, from his first double-digit reception game to his first 100-yard game, and he did it with contested catch after contested catch.
Still, the mood was somber after the loss despite the memorable performance.
"It's very frustrating, regardless of what I did," Sowell said after the game. "I always feel like I can do more to help the team. I, and a lot of the guys on this offense, take a lot of accountability. It always hurts, regardless of what you did on the field."
Since Koby Howard went down with an injury, Sowell has become a more prominent figure in the passing attack for head coach Matt Campbell and the Penn State offense. Over the last four games, he's steadily progressed, becoming more comfortable with the scheme. If it wasn't for him, the offense would be in a much worse position.
At 3-4, Penn State's season outlook is bleak, but the silver lining could be how well Sowell has played without Howard to complement him. Once Howard returns (whenever that is), the offense should be more dynamic and explosive than it was to start the year, hopefully resulting in a positive finish for Campbell's first year at the helm.
Mason Smith covers high school sports and Penn State football and basketball. Reach him @usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Chase Sowell delivers a dazzling performance on a disappointing day for Penn State football