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

Penn State Football key to success – game management and in-game adjustments

This is a big opportunity for James Franklin and his staff to put the “he can’t win big games” narrative to rest for the time being.

Although the Nittany Lions are unranked, and Michigan is ranked sixth in the country, Vegas thinks this is a very close game, with lines ranging anywhere from Penn State as a one-point favorite, to Michigan as a one-point favorite.

Both teams are very evenly matched on the field, so coaching could be the difference between a close win and a close loss.

Offensively, Mike Yurcich needs to have trust in his offense to run the ball when the right situation presents itself, rather than forcing the passing game all the time. Keyvone Lee has the ability to have success carrying the ball, averaging over five yards per carry.

Additionally, if Michigan’s great pass rush starts getting home, he needs to put Sean Clifford in positions where he can get the ball out of his hands quickly.

On the defensive side, Brent Pry has to take away the Wolverines’ strength, which is running the ball. Against Illinois, he was reluctant to load up the box and bring in personnel to match the Illini’s 3 tight end sets. That cannot be the case again this week against Michigan.

If Franklin and his staff manage the game well and make the proper in-game adjustments, Penn State Football has a great chance to pick up the win against the Wolverines.