WHITE NIGHT
PENN STATE AWAITS MICHIGAN IN ‘WHITEOUT’ GAME IN HAPPY VALLEY
Keys for Michigan
Reduce takeaways: Michigan managed to stave off a late charge by Illinois last week as the Fighting Illini rattled off 25 unanswered points to cut Michigan’s lead to 28-25 early in the fourth quarter. Lack of execution and turnovers triggered the momentum shift, as the Wolverines lost two more fumbles to hike their season total to nine fumbles lost.
Run effectively: The Wolverines found success in the run game when they pounded the ball inside against Illinois, which ranks 13th in the Big Ten and 107th nationally against the run. Coach Jim Harbaugh went to an old-school approach as Michigan amassed 295 yards on the ground. Hassan Haskins and Zach Charbonnet broke through the gaps and combined for 241 yards and two scores. Penn State, third nationally in run defense, will provide a stiffer test.
Keys for Penn State
Pressure Patterson: Michigan has been able to move the chains when it can get a consistent rushing attack going, but the Nittany Lions defense will look to plug the holes at the line of scrimmage to stuff the run, forcing QB Shea Patterson to make plays. Although Patterson has shown more confidence and poise in recent games, he is still apt to turn the ball over.
Ride the hot hands: Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford has proven to be a proficient playmaker. The redshirt sophomore has thrown 13 touchdown passes against two interceptions and turned in a gutsy performance against Iowa. Freshman running back Noah Cain has also risen to prominence and seen his workload increase after posting two 100-plus yard performances, against Purdue and Iowa.
Prediction
Penn State 20, Michigan
13. These are two of the best defenses in the Big Ten, but the difference may come down to turnovers. Penn State has committed only six all season compared with Michigan’s 13. Unless the Wolverines can finally play mistake-free football, they will be looking at yet another loss to a high-ranked opponent.