Penn State Football: 3 reasons Nittany Lions will beat Michigan in Week 8

1. Running back Noah Cain

Penn State has used a running back by committee approach since the opening game against Idaho. Each of the four running backs has different attributes and all have found some success. Against Iowa though, the Nittany Lions found their bonafide star in Noah Cain.

Cain has shown the most of the four backs through six games. Against Purdue and with the Penn State offense trying to snap out of a lull, it was Cain who entered the game and provided the boost. He had his second 100-yard game in a row against Iowa and was magnificent in the fourth quarter. The freshman leads the team in rushing with 310 yards, a 5.4 yards per carry average and has found the end zone six times.

Cain may lack the breakaway speed that Journey Brown and Devyn Ford have, but he is a powerful runner. He seems to just hit a hole and gain 5-7 yards every carry and can wear down an opposing defense.

In the James Franklin era at Penn State, the Lions have not been able to seal the deal in close games. Time and time again they would not be able to run out the clock and ultimately would give up a late score to lose. Against Iowa last week, they finally had a break through. Penn State got the ball back with two and half minutes to go nursing a five point lead and Iowa had all their timeouts remaining. Cain and the Lions kept the ball on the ground and ran out the clock.

Penn State finally has their closer. While Franklin has said they will still be deploying all four running backs, Cain has proven he deserves most of the carries. Against Michigan, expect Cain to come up with another solid performance.