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

Penn State Football offensive key to success: take advantage of how Michigan defends Jahan Dotson

In all likelihood, Michigan’s number one priority on defense will be stopping Dotson.

If the Wolverines devote multiple defenders to stopping the Nittany Lions’ star wideout, that will open opportunities elsewhere for Penn State Football’s offense.

Even though Dotson is the clear number one receiver, Parker Washington and KeAndre Lambert-Smith are both very talented receivers in their own right, and can certainly pick up the slack if the Wolverines sell out to stop Dotson.

Freshman wide receiver Malick Meiga has seen an increased role over recent weeks, and he had his first career reception last week vs Maryland. He is a very big target for a wide receiver at 6-foot-4 and has a lot of potential. Look for Meiga to get involved again this week.

Clifford has also begun to turn to tight end Theo Johnson more in recent weeks.

Johnson had six catches through the first seven games, and he has had eight catches in the past two weeks. The tall freshman tight end could also play a big role in the passing game if Jahan Dotson is double covered.

Finally, if Michigan’s defense spreads out to slow down the passing game, leaving Penn State with numbers advantage in the box, the Nittany Lions need to be able to take advantage of that and run the ball for positive yards.

One way or another, Dotson will have an impact on this game.

If Dotson is unable to fill up the stat sheet, his presence will still command a lot of attention for the Michigan defense, opening up opportunities elsewhere.