Penn State football: 3 season-defining games in 2022

2. Michigan

After 2021’s heartbreaking loss to the Wolverines, Penn State football looks to win their second-straight game in Ann Arbor this fall. The last time these two teams faced one another in Michigan Stadium was in 2020–a game that Penn State won 27-17.

Though Michigan took home the victory in 2021, there is no reason that Penn State can’t return the favor in 2022. James Franklin has a 3-4 record against Jim Harbaugh but has won three of the past five matchups with Michigan: 2017, 2019, and 2020. If Penn State can overcome Purdue and Auburn, the Nittany Lions will likely remain undefeated heading into Ann Arbor.

Michigan’s most significant strengths heading into 2022 will be its offense and special teams. The 2021 Michigan defense has seen a great deal of turnover in talent heading into this year, has been stripped bare, and will rely on a new defensive coordinator and a young core.

On offense, however, Michigan football will be returning the majority of its starters and special teams players–many of which earned national honors last season. Like Iowa in 2021, the environment will be tough to overcome but a necessary win if Penn State wants a run at the Big Ten. Like its defense, Michigan will also rely on a new offensive coordinator in 2022.

Likely the Nittany Lions’ biggest mid-season test of 2022, Michigan, will be the second biggest game on the Penn State schedule this year. A win could propel Penn State back to national relevance, but a loss could end any meaningful post-season hopes. Defeating the defending Big Ten champs will be a crucial win for Penn State football.

Notably, the last time Penn State won back-to-back games in Ann Arbor was in 1994-1996.