Saturday’s college football action commences in Pennsylvania with a clash between Penn State and Michigan, two Big Ten opponents with their eyes on a conference championship. Penn State enters as the underdog at home.
Defense, defense and more defense. However you want to look at it, the Wolverines and Nittany Lions are sitting atop the country in most defensive categories. Penn State’s 11.9 points allowed per game are good enough for third in the nation, while Michigan is the only team in the NCAA surrendering fewer than 10 points to opposing offenses (6.7). Additionally, the two schools rank No. 1 and No. 2 in the Big Ten in points scored per game, with Michigan’s 40.7 points per game slightly edging out Penn State’s 40.2.
Ten of the Wolverines’ 36 offensive touchdowns stem from the quarterback-receiver connection of J.J. McCarthy and Roman Wilson. Then there’s Blake Corum, the nation’s leading scorer from the running back position (16 touchdowns), who will try to find a way to penetrate a Nittany Lions defense responsible for holding opposing offenses to a measly 60.6 yards on the ground per contest.
Meanwhile, Penn State’s offensive gameplan should include using their tandem in the backfield, Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, to control the time of possession and attack a slightly more vulnerable Wolverine run defense. Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar struggled in Penn State’s lone loss at Ohio State. He will have to play better than the 18-for-42 he threw for in that game. Allar hasn’t thrown for 250 yards since the season opener against West Virginia.
The points total for this matchup is in the mid 40s, suggesting the defenses are expected to flex their muscles.
All odds from BetMGM. Looking for college football tickets? Find them here.
What is the spread for Michigan at Penn State?
Expert picks against the spread
How to watch and stream Michigan at Penn State
Kickoff is set for noon ET on Saturday at Beaver Stadium in University Park. The game will be televised on FOX and streamed on the Fox Sports app.
Pregame reading
Penn State football needs a monumental win. Beating Michigan now would mean everything
Michigan files response to Big Ten, awaits potential discipline for program: Sources
Sign up for the Until Saturday newsletter here
(Photo of JJ McCarthy: Aaron J. Thornton / Getty Images)
Source link
credite