Know Your Penn State Football Opponent: Michigan Wolverines

After a blowout loss to Michigan at The Big House last season, Penn State seeks revenge in Happy Valley.

In many college football circles, Jim Harbaugh is talked about like a superhero of a coach. A beacon of light sent to Ann Arbor to bring Michigan their first outright Big Ten title since 2003.

For that to happen this year, the khaki-clad crusader will need to pull whatever powers he has out of his hat with the gigantic maize M emblazoned on it.

There is no denying Harbaugh’s coaching prowess, but losing 10 defensive starters is not ideal for any coach. Especially when that defense led the nation in total defense last year.

Michigan’s lone returning defensive starter is linebacker Mike McCray, who will be a tackling machine and defensive leader. Sophomore Rashan Gary could be the most talked about Wolverine this season. The tenacious defensive end will be one of the truly formidable forces in the Big Ten in what is poised to be a breakout season for him.

Senior defensive tackle Maurice Hurst will also be a load for the improved Penn State offensive line to handle. Five-star recruit Aubrey Solomon could prove to be a challenge at the other defensive tackle.

Keeping these behemoths off of Trace McSorley will be the key to the game for Penn State. McSorley should be able to take advantage of the Wolverines secondary, despite an improved Lavert Hill at cornerback.

More from Victory Bell Rings

On the flip side, it will be Penn State’s secondary that will need to be in attack mode. Michigan has some serious firepower at receiver.

It would be a surprise if Wilton Speight weren’t the starter when Michigan opens its season against Florida. If he produces early on, the Nittany Lions will be preparing for him. If his play regresses, Penn State could see John O’Korn or freshman Brandon Peters.

Whoever is under center will have the protection of outstanding senior offensive lineman Mason Cole at left tackle. The top lineman will be joined by some inexperience, which Penn State will be able to take advantage of.

One of the most hyped freshmen in the Big Ten this year is receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. Peoples-Jones will be an explosive player that Penn State will need to contain despite a John Reid-Less secondary. Pressure on the Wolverines quarterback will be key.

Peoples-Jones will be joined by productive wide-outs Eddie McDoom (great name) and Kekoa Crawford.

Losing De’Veon Smith at tailback is a big loss, but Chris Evans, Karan Higdon and Ty Issac all put up numbers last year for Michigan.

This will be a good, old-fashioned Big Ten game that is won or lost in the trenches. Penn State recorded exactly zero sacks last season, and that needs to change. Getting pressure on Speight before he can find an open receiver could be the difference in the game.

McSorley and Saquon Barkley both had their worst game of the season against Michigan a season ago. The Wolverines leading defense posted six sacks and 13 tackles for loss last year.

That was last year. Penn State is the more talented and experienced team this go around. They will have a raucous 107,000 fans behind them in a game that will have major Big Ten implications.

Next: Know Your Penn State Opponent: Indiana

A steady diet of hits to the quarterback and McSorley picking the Michigan secondary apart will prove as kryptonite for Super Harbaugh and his Wolverines.

Home/Penn State Football