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ESPN’s FPI predicts outcome of Michigan vs. Penn State in Week 11
By Paul Harvey
Published:
ESPN’s FPI is back with more game predictions for the Week 11 slate. That includes a particularly crucial showdown in the B1G between Michigan and Penn State.
The series between the two sides had been hotly contested in recent meetings until Michigan blew out the Nittany Lions 41-17 last season. However, the FPI sees another tight contest in store this year.
According to the FPI, Penn State is favored at home by the slimmest of margins. The Nittany Lions are given a 50.9% chance of coming out on top this weekend despite Michigan entering the game as a 5-point road favorite. Fans looking to get in on those odds can take advantage of Tradition’s Michigan sports betting link.
Michigan has won two straight, including a blowout win last season. However, Penn State had back-to-back wins in 2019-20, including a 28-21 win at home during the 2019 season.
While Penn State did lose to Ohio State earlier this season, Saturday’s game will feature two of the most balanced teams in the country. Both teams have a top-10 scoring unit on either side of the ball, including Michigan’s nation-leading defense at 6.7 points allowed per game. Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions are giving up 11.9 points per game and both teams average 40+ points per game offensively.
Look for a key in this one to be the rushing game on either side of the ball. Last season, it was Michigan who rolled to over 400 yards rushing in a dominant performance while Penn State finished with 111 rushing yards in a loss.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.