Saturday Blitz
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
BLOOMINGTON, UNITED STATES – 2022/10/08: Michigan Wolverines linebacker Derrick Moore (8) celebrates after Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Connor Bazelak (9) is sacked by Michigan during an NCAA college football game at Memorial Stadium.Michigan beat Indiana University 31-10. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, UNITED STATES – 2022/10/08: Michigan Wolverines linebacker Derrick Moore (8) celebrates after Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Connor Bazelak (9) is sacked by Michigan during an NCAA college football game at Memorial Stadium.Michigan beat Indiana University 31-10. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

Michigan’s defense

The Wolverines boast a fantastic defense (like Penn State) this season and should be a good challenge for this Penn State offense. The Nittany Lions will want to run the ball with its two-star running backs, and Michigan’s defensive line and linebackers are in for a long day if they cannot stop them. We will know who this team(and defense) is after this game.

Michigan’s defensive line matches up with Penn State’s offensive line particularly well. Olu Fashanu is the only notable player on the Lions’ offensive line, and the Wolverines’ pass rush has been unstoppable this season. Still, this is something Sean Clifford is used to, so making sure Clifford does not escape or extend plays will be essential for Michigan.

Junior Colson and Michael Barrett will be two key players for Michigan this weekend. Both linebackers need to keep an eye on Penn State’s running backs (which is easier said than done) while also covering the Nittany Lions’ near-elite tight end room. If that wasn’t enough, Michigan’s linebackers will also need to make sure Sean Clifford does not get outside and make a shifty play with his legs.

Like Penn State, Michigan’s defense is solid top to bottom. I see this game being low scoring because of the defenses, and I do not think either team has a true edge over the other. Also like Penn State, Michigan’s defense will have its hands full with the Nittany Lions’ versatile offense and will need to contain a road-tested and experienced quarterback.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

  • Junior Colson (LB)
  • Mike Morris (OLB/EDGE)
  • Mazi Smith (DL)

KEY STATS:

  • Michigan’s pass-rush has recorded 22 sacks this season for a loss of 164 yards. Mike Morris leads the Wolverines in sacks (5).
  • Michigan has forced seven turnovers this season — four interceptions and one fumble recovery.
  • Rod Moore, RJ Moten, and DJ Turner have combined for all four of Michigan’s interceptions. These defensive backs will be those covering Penn State’s shifty receiver group.
Home/Big Ten