Predicting the Final Score of Michigan vs. Penn State
By David Cuff
@DaveCuff
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The University of Michigan is in desperation mode. This Saturday night they face Penn State under the lights at the Big House. It won’t be easy, but with the game being at home, Michigan definitely has a great chance to pull out a victory. With Devin Gardner looking like he has turned a corner for the better, the defense will now need to step up and play much better than they did last week against Rutgers.
Penn State’s biggest offensive advantage in this game will be their passing offense against the Michigan pass defense. The Nittany Lions are 25th in the country in passing yards per game and Michigan is coming off a game where they gave up 402 passing yards to Rutgers. Christian Hackenberg has struggled his last couple games but he has the ability to break out at anytime. The Penn State defense is also off to a great start, ranking 10th in the country in points per game against. Going against a struggling Michigan offense that ranks 104th in the country in points per game shouldn’t be much of a test for them.
Michigan’s offense played well last week, but will need to step up more to offset their defensive struggles. Gardner only had one turnover last week and will need to keep protecting the football for Michigan to have a chance. The season-ending injury to starting running back Derrick Green also hurts. De’Veon Smith moves into the starting role and will be asked to carry the load in the running game. Smith has actually been better than Green when it comes to yards per carry average, but he isn’t as powerful of a runner. Devin Funchess continues to be Michigan’s best offensive weapon and they need to get him the ball early and often.
On paper, this matchup seems to favor Penn State, but don’t underestimate Michigan at home in prime time. Desperation is a powerful motivator and the Wolverines are definitely desperate. It should be a close game throughout, but I actually see Michigan coming away victorious.
Prediction: Michigan 20, Penn State 17
David Cuff is a University of Michigan Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DaveCuff, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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