Penn State Football: Closing the gap on Michigan Wolverines

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - OCTOBER 19: (L-R) Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions shakes hands with head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines after the game on October 19, 2019 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State defeats Michigan 28-21. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

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Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Jahan Dotson (5) catches a pass behind Ohio State Buckeyes safety Ronnie Hickman (14) during the fourth quarter of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021.Penn State At Ohio State Football /

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You can’t deny the success Ohio State had until this season.

Ohio State had a very consistent way of beating Michiga; Throw the ball.

Namely, the Buckeyes have had tremendous success against Michigan on crossing patterns. Michigan changed defensive coordinators last season, but he is back to the NFL.

The difference between what Ohio State has been able to do against Michigan and what Penn State has been able to do is quarterback play.

Penn State Football has the talent at the skill positions to beat Michigan. They just haven’t had the quarterback play that pushes them past Michigan consistently.

Sean Clifford is entering his super-duper-redshirt-covid-senior season at Penn State. One of two things is going to happen this upcoming season. One being Clifford will be good enough for Penn State to win big games. Two, the highly regarded freshman Drew Allar will enter the equation.

Regardless, Penn State Football will only be able to close the gap against Michigan when they get better quarterback play.

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