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Penn State Football: Predicting the outcome of the Michigan game

By Barry Leonard Jr.

IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 23: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions before the match-up against the Iowa Hawkeyes on September 23, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 23: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions before the match-up against the Iowa Hawkeyes on September 23, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 09: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Beaver Stadium on September 9, 2017 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 09: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Beaver Stadium on September 9, 2017 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Shane Lunnen, Contributor

With Penn State coming off their bye week, they now face the most crucial part of their schedule over the next three weeks. Up first is a date with Michigan. Not only is it the annual White Out game and a prime time match-up against a ranked foe, ESPN’s College Gameday will broadcast from Old Main lawn Saturday morning. Throw in the revenge factor for Penn State after last year’s embarrassing 39 point loss in Ann Arbor. To say the least, this is a big game.

Michigan’s offense is inconsistent, and that is being nice. Their rushing attack is decent with a running back by committee approach. The Lions should get after them with their aggressive play and force quarterback John O’Korn to beat them. I like the Lions chances to limit the Wolverines offense.

On the other side of the ball, we know what the Penn State offense can bring, but this will probably be the best defense they will face all season. The Wolverines are for real when it comes to their defense. Hopefully the bye week allowed the Penn State coaching staff to game plan some different looks to neutralize the Wolverines and allow the Lion offense room to operate.

This game will most likely be a low-scoring affair. As much as we would all love to see the Lions blow out Michigan as payback for last season, I don’t see it happening. The Penn State defense will be dominant and not allow Michigan to do much. Look for some turnovers and Grant Haley returns an interception for six. The Wolverines keep Saquon Barkley in check, but he gets a couple touchdowns from short yardage. Lions do just enough to win and move on to the showdown in Columbus next week.

Penn State 24

Michigan 13

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