For this week’s Big Ten preview, I am highlighting Penn State at Michigan. Penn State is 5-0 coming off a bye week, and Michigan is 6-0. One of these two teams will no longer be undefeated after Saturday. With Penn State at Michigan, the Nittany Lions will look to break Michigan’s win streak this season. They will also look to move up in the AP top 25 College Football poll.
Last 5 Matchups
Penn State has won three out of five of their past matchups against Michigan, according to gopsusports.com. Of the three wins, two were home games for the Nittany Lions and one was at Michigan. Of the two losses, one was at University Park and one was in Ann Arbor.
Last Matchup
The last time Michigan and Penn State faced was a Nittany Lions home game. Penn State lost 17-21, and ended the season unranked. Michigan dominated in the 2021 game, with Penn State not scoring a touchdown until the fourth quarter.
Penn State totaled 223 receiving, and 109 rushing yards, according to ESPN. While the Nittany Lions had more receiving yards, with Michigan totaling 217, the Wolverines scored three receiving touchdowns. At the end of the day, more yards do not mean more points.
This Week: Penn State at Michigan
This Saturday, with Penn State at Michigan, the Nittany Lions will have to push the crowd noise aside and get a win. On the AP Top 25 College Football poll, Penn State is ranked ten and Michigan is five. This will be the biggest test for Penn State, and it will not get easier after this matchup.
Passing Game
In order to win this game, the entire Penn State team will need to step up. Not only is Penn State at Michigan, but the Wolverines are a well-rounded team. The Nittany Lions total, 1,255 receiving yards, 1,030 coming from starting quarterback Sean Clifford. Clifford has only thrown two interceptions this year, and luckily the Wolverine defense only picked the ball off four times in six games. With Penn State at Michigan, the Nittany Lions will have to ensure the crowd noise does not affect them.
As for the Wolverines, they have more passing yards totaling 1,478 according to ESPN. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has only thrown one interception. Fortunately for the Nittany Lions, their defense has totaled five interceptions in their five games this season. With a strong Michigan passing game, in order for Penn State to walk away with a win, the Nittany Lions will have to force turnovers. The secondary also has 20 pass deflections, which will help force Michigan to run the ball more.
Run Game
Despite runningbacks Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, the Nittany Lions total 963 rushing yards. In their last game against Northwestern, Penn State struggled with rushing due to multiple fumbles. Penn State will have to step it up here, to put less pressure on Clifford. Michigan’s defense totaled 365 tackles, making the Nittany Lions have to do better this weekend. According to the NCAA, Michigan’s defense is ranked seven against the run game, only allowing 490 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Penn State’s defense will also need to step up this weekend with Michigan totaling 1,274 rushing yards, according to ESPN. 20 of Michigan’s touchdowns have come from rushing the ball, making it crucial for the Penn State defense to make stops. The NCAA ranks the Nittany Lions five overall against the run game. They have let opposing teams only rush for 398 yards and three touchdowns.
Penn State at Michigan Odds
The Michigan Wolverines are the favorites to win by 6.5 points, according to Sports Book Wire. As of this moment, ESPN is giving Michigan a 73.3% chance of winning. If the Nittany Lions want to win this game, every single player will need to step up. There is no way for the team to win the game if one position lacks. With Penn State at Michigan, they will also have to play through the crowd noise, making communication more important.
It is also important to note Penn State is coming off a bye week, which will either mean they are well-rested or will have to shake off a week of no game. Penn State at Michigan will be a 12 PM Eastern kickoff on Fox. One team will go home no longer undefeated.
For More NFL and NCAA Football Content
Read my article on Penn State’s last win against Northwestern here. Check out my most recent article, where I highlight underestimated players within the NFL.