Michigan and Penn State play this weekend in Happy Valley at Beaver Stadium. In the AP Poll Penn State is ranked ninth and Michigan is ranked second. Michigan is 9-0 and Penn State is 8-1 with their only loss coming to Ohio State. Penn State is coming off a big win both on the scoreboard and for momentum after crushing Maryland 51-15. Michigan is under serious heat right now due to the fact that they are facing criticism for sign stealing from future opponents. This will be an extra motivation for the Nittany Lions to try and beat a team that has been cheating. Not to mention, they are also very big rivals.

Michigan is led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is a Heisman candidate with 2,134 passing yards. Their leading rusher is Blake Corum with 649 yards. He has been a star player over the last several seasons. The leading receiver for the Wolverines is Roman Wilson with 589 yards. Michigan's defense is also amazing as they lead the nation with only allowing 6.7 points a game which is four less points than the second place team, Ohio State, who is allowing only 10.7 points per game. Michigan also has allowed the fewest yards per game at 231.4 yards per game allowed. Penn State's defense is also elite allowing only 11.9 points per game, the third fewest in the nation, they have also allowed only 234.4 yards a game (the second fewest in the nation). Penn State also has the second most sacks nationally with 38. Penn State is coming off of a big win against Maryland where Drew Allar showed he was a great QB by passing for 240 yards and 4 touchdowns. Michigan is 9-0, but they have not played a good team all season with none of their wins coming against ranked opponents. If Penn State wins this game and Michigan beats Ohio State in the last game of the year, there is a chance for a 3-way tie in the Big Ten East between Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State. So… Penn State needs to win this game for a chance to make the Big Ten Championship and maybe the College football playoff. 

This will be a great game, but don’t expect a lot of offense because of the defenses. However, this will also feature a lot of talented players on offense. I hope that Penn State can come away with a win and keep their hopes alive. 

Sources:https://www.espn.com/college-football/team/stats/_/id/130/michigan-wolverines