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Big Ten football: Comparing Michigan, Penn State ahead of top-10 battle

By Christopher Mangum

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Arnold Ebiketie #17 of the Penn State Nittany Lions causes Cade McNamara #12 of the Michigan Wolverines to fumble the ball during the second half at Beaver Stadium on November 13, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Arnold Ebiketie #17 of the Penn State Nittany Lions causes Cade McNamara #12 of the Michigan Wolverines to fumble the ball during the second half at Beaver Stadium on November 13, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Big Ten football fans are in for a treat this weekend as No. 10 Penn State (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) travels to Ann Arbor to face No. 5 Michigan (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) in a blue blood showdown.

Both the Wolverines and Nittany Lions have some solid wins under their belts, and this game will likely determine the outcome of both teams’ seasons.

Let’s take a look at how the two compare.

Penn State offense

Michigan and Penn State have very similar offensive schemes and I think both will come ready to play this weekend. On one sideline stands sixth-year quarterback Sean Clifford, and on the other stands five-star quarterback JJ McCarthy — both quick runners with a lot of big play potential at any given moment.

Both teams have strong running games and utilize their tight ends as well as speedy receivers. Both teams have a star running back and a deep running back room, and neither has really proven themselves so far this year against good competition.

The Nittany Lions will need to get the run game going if they want a shot at taking down Michigan. The Wolverines’ defensive line and Penn State’s offensive line will be the key matchup there, but Michigan will have its hands full with Nick Singleton regardless. If Singleton was not enough, Penn State also boasts two other fantastic backs: Keyvone Lee and Kaytron Allen.

The last time Penn State faced Michigan in Ann Arbor was 2020 — Penn State won 27-17 and current 3rd string RB Keyvone Lee had over 100 yards on the ground. If Penn State gets the ground game rolling the rest of its playbook should follow suit. Penn State does not throw a ton of deep balls but does have schemes that get receivers and tight ends in space often.

The Nittany Lions have used big run plays combined with methodical passing in all of its high-scoring outings, so slowing down its backs and covering the short/medium pass will be a challenge for Michigan. This weekend we should see some classic Big Ten football from both teams.

With a defense and pass-rush like Michigan has, it will be essential for Penn State’s offensive line to establish itself. If Clifford is running for his life all game and Michigan is stuffing the run, it will be a long day for the Nittany Lions.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

  • Nick Singleton (RB)
  • Sean Clifford (QB)
  • Brenton Strange (TE)

KEY STATS:

  • Aside from the monsoon game against Northwestern, Penn State has only turned the ball over once. Against Northwestern the Nittany Lions turned it over five times, but again, the conditions played a huge factor.
  • Penn State has 963 rushing yards in its first five games. 463 of these are from Nick Singleton, and 303 from Kaytron Allen (both freshmen). Both backs average over 5.0 yards per carry (Singleton over 7.0 per carry).
  • Tight end Brenton Strange leads the Nittany Lions in receiving touchdowns right now. He has four.
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