Penn State Football vs Michigan: Keys for Nittany Lions to knock off No. 6 Wolverines

Penn State Football defensive key to success – force Michigan to beat you through the air

The Wolverines are a team that relies heavily on the running game, and they do it effectively.

Michigan is third in the Big Ten in yards per carry at (5.3), and first in rushing touchdowns (26).

It should be noted, however, that Michigan running back Blake Corum suffered an injury last week, and his status is questionable for this week. Their other go-to running back, Hassan Haskins, carried the ball 27 times (and also had 1 reception) last week vs Indiana, so fortunately for the Nittany Lions, he should be worn down from carrying such a heavy workload.

Penn State Football’s defense has been great, but they have struggled to stop the run in certain games.

Against Illinois, the Lions were not matching personnel and loading up the box to stop the run, based on the offense’s formation.

When Michigan rolls out personnel or a formation where they are likely to hand the ball off, the Nittany Lions need to sell out to stop the run. Their secondary is great, and they needed to be trusted to be left on an island at certain times.

This is not to say that Michigan does not have a solid passing attack (because they do), but they are far better and far more comfortable when they keep the ball on the ground.

Based on the Wolverines’ strengths on offense and the impending wet and sloppy weather conditions, Brent Pry’s defense needs to stop the running game and force Cade McNamara and the Michigan offense to have to beat them through the air.