Penn State Football: 3 players who need to have a big day against Michigan

3 of 4

Sep 4, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle PJ Mustipher (97) celebrates following a turnover during the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

DT P.J. Mustipher

As mentioned, Michigan likes to run the ball… a lot.

The Wolverines, led by junior Blake Corum, average 213 rushing yards per game. Corum has rushed the ball 118 times for 735 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.

While Michigan has a former 5-star at quarterback in J.J. McCarthy and a solid group of receivers, they will win or lose on the run game. Shutting down Corum and making McCarthy throw against Penn State’s talented secondary will be a big win for the Nittany Lions.

If Penn State is going to stop that running attack, defensive linemen like P.J. Mustipher will need to come ready to play. Mustipher, a fifth-year senior, is the leader of the Penn State defense. He was rusty early on as he worked his way back from a season-ending injury last year. He’s looked better and better each week though.

Mustipher has 16 tackles this season with 0.5 for loss. He hasn’t played a ton considering Penn State rotated defensive linemen often against lesser competition early in the season.

Mustipher doesn’t need to have 12 tackles with three for loss in order to be an impact player in this game. Mustipher is at his best when he’s driving back the interior of the offensive line, taking up space and allowing others to make plays.

If Mustipher clogs the middle, Michigan could have a tough time trying to bounce the run game outside against Penn State’s athletic defensive ends and linebackers.

Home/Penn State Football