Penn State has revenge in mind for Michigan
No. 7 Penn State is hoping to overwhelm No. 16 Michigan at 7:30 tonight at Beaver Stadium.
Brent Pry had coached college football at eight schools over 22 years before he arrived at Penn State and experienced the White Out Game for the first time in 2014.
“It was breathtaking,” said Pry, the defensive coordinator. “I came out of that tunnel and felt pretty normal until I got out there on the sideline and soaked it in. Coach (James) Franklin doesn’t like me to tell this story, but I was about to pass out. It was pretty awesome.
“Being from Pennsylvania and having Penn State be a part of so much of my family, it was just an overwhelming feeling.”
Pry hopes the White Out crowd of more than 110,000 and No. 7 Penn State can overwhelm No. 16 Michigan tonight at 7:30 at Beaver Stadium (TV-ABC; WEEUAM/830).
The Nittany Lions (3-0 Big Ten, 6-0) rolled past the Wolverines (3-1, 5-1) 42-13 in a White Out Game two years ago behind Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley. They lost to Ohio State 27-26 last year after holding a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter.
“It’s just a very, very passionate experience for the fans, the players, the coaches, the recruits, everybody,” Pry said. “For us as coaches and players, once the ball is snapped, it’s still a 100-yard field. You throw those headsets on and you’re calling plays and evaluating things.
“(But) it’s certainly the best college experience for me personally and I’ve been in quite a few.”
Penn State has played well in the White Out Game under Franklin, going 4-1 against the point spread. But it’s the 42-7 loss at Michigan last year that has weighed on the minds of the Lions.
“I don’t think we played the best we could on defense,” safety Garrett Taylor said. “We didn’t do enough to put our team in position to win. We gave up 200-some rushing yards, which was pretty embarrassing. That’s what we’re really focused on.
“Obviously that game’s good motivation for this year. We’re a different team. We’re a different defense. We have a lot to prove to ourselves and a lot to prove to everyone watching.”
Penn State, widely predicted to finish fourth in the Big Ten East, has emerged as a contender midway through the season. It ranks in the top five in the nation in scoring defense, total defense, rushing defense, sacks and tackles for loss.
The Lions have held each of their first six opponents to 13 points or less, the first team to do that since Louisville in 2013. They’ve relied on their speed and depth.
Michigan has taken time to adjust to the new scheme installed by firstyear offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, the former Penn State wide receivers coach. The Wolverines rank 58th in the nation in scoring and 84th in total offense.
Shea Patterson, in his second season as a starter, has completed 57.1 percent of his passes for 1,246 yards and nine touchdowns with three interceptions. Freshman Zach Charbonnet is the top rusher with 376 yards and five scores.
“We’re going to have to play our best,” Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said. “Penn State is a heck of a good team. They’re playing good football. They’re an excellent team. They’re fast. They’re athletic and very strong in all phases.”