Penn State Football wins if this happens, Michigan wins if that does

By Evan Smith | Nov 12, 2021

Nov 6, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Jahan Dotson (5) runs a fourth quarter touchdown as Maryland Terrapins linebacker Ahmad McCullough (19) defends at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 4

Michigan tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) celebrates his touchdown catch against Indiana during the second half of Michigan’s 29-7 win on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Michigan Stadium.Mich Ind /

Michigan Wins If …

Michigan has three running backs with 20+ carries on the season averaging five-plus yards per carry. The Wolverines win and lose based on their performances in the trenches.

However, Penn State Football’s defensive line has held up ok versus strong running teams. It’s the other line where the Lions struggle.

Penn State Football, frankly, stinks at running the ball.

But, Penn State’s line has done at least an ok job at protecting Clifford.

The question is, can the Michigan defense stop Clifford and company throwing the ball?

They only feature two players that have more than three sacks on the season, but David Ojabo (LB) has eight and Aidan Hutchinson (six) anchor a strong defensive line that will need to be accounted for at all times to ensure Clifford has the time to pick apart the Wolverine secondary.

Michigan wins the game if they get 3+ sacks and a forced fumble of Sean Clifford (or Tyler Warren or whoever else snaps the ball for the Nittany Lions).

Home/Penn State Football