Michigan football: 5 things I want to see from the Wolverines against Penn State
Michigan is the last unbeaten team in the Big Ten, and its goals of winning its first Big Ten East title under Jim Harbuagh are there for the taking. Next up is Penn State on Saturday (3:45 p.m. ET; TV: ESPN) at the Big House, and it’s a big one.
Here are five things I want to see from the Wolverines this weekend against Penn State:
1. Improved offensive line passes its biggest test
The spotlight has shined brightly on Michigan’s offensive line all season, because this was the position group that had to show improvement for the Wolverines to win the Big Ten. They’ve done well, for the most part, but Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh thinks they’ll get their biggest test this week against Penn State, which leads the league in sacks and tackles for loss. The line needs to give quarterback Shea Patterson some time to throw. If they get it done, he could have a big day. The offensive line is going to determine the outcome of this game.
2. Shea Patterson throws well on the run
Patterson is one of the best mobile quarterbacks in the country. He can run when he has to, but where he’s really dangerous is when he can keep his eyes downfield under pressure. Penn State’s defensive line is very good, but the linebackers and secondary can get picked on. Look for Patterson to make several big plays on the fly, plays that might go for big yards once things break down.
3. Top-ranked defense proves it again
Michigan is No. 1 in the country in total defense, and they’re coming into this game with a massive chip on their collective shoulders after giving up 519 yards and six touchdowns a year ago at Penn State in that ugly 42-13 loss. With a bye week prior to this game, there’s been two weeks to focus — and the stew over — what’s gone on with Penn State and what they might bring to the table this time around. The joy of having the best defense in the country is that every now and then, you just want to see them take over and win a game on their own. This might just happen on Saturday. Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley has a bit of a knee issue, so getting physical with him could take its toll on the Nittany Lions’ offense.
4. Karan Hidgon has another big day running the ball
Karan Higdon has rushed for 835 yards already, and has gone over 100 yards in six straight games. He’ll be counted on to deliver the same type of output again on Saturday. Penn State has allowed 129 plays of 10 yards or more this season, third-worst in the Big Ten, so some big runs could be there for Higdon. As mentioned above, the offensive line needs to have a big day. If they do, Higdon will, as well.
5. Confident group keeps winning streak alive
Michigan has won seven straight games since the season-opening loss to Notre Dame, and they’ve done it with a swagger, especially lately in two impressive wins over Wisconsin and Michigan State. Those were part of the revenge tour, and Penn State is the next stop in that tour. There’s an ugly loss to avenge, and this group doesn’t seem to be able to be stopped right now. So just keep it up.