Penn State Football: Predicting the outcome of the Michigan game

Barry Leonard, Co-Site Expert

Penn State fans have had this game circled for a long time. Now, with high stakes on the line, the game has become even bigger for the Nittany Lions. A win would put them right where they need to be heading into next week’s huge battle at Ohio State. A loss could derail their hopes for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

As for the game at hand, Penn State enters as the favorites. The offense, although yet to fire on all cylinders, is still one of the most prolific units in college football. The Nittany Lions are hard for opposing defensive coordinators to plan against. If the line is stacked to stop Saquon Barkley, Trace McSorley has plenty of weapons — including Barkley — in the passing attack.

Michigan is one of the top defenses in the nation, but Penn State just presents too much on offense to completely stop. Although it may be slow going at first, the Nittany Lions will put points on the board.

The Penn State defense has been outstanding this year, and that bodes well against a Michigan offense that has struggled this year.

Beaver Stadium will be electric, and the Nittany Lions will want to take advantage early. I do think the offense will sputter at first before getting it going. I’m actually expecting a big play by the defense or on special teams to get the scoring started and keep the crowd hyped.

Penn State will get an important win in front of a national audience.

Penn State 27
Michigan 10