Kalen King is a key piece of Penn State’s top-10 defense this season that is looking to register a big win over Michigan on Saturday. King also remembers losing the Wolverines in a blowout defeat last season.

Last season, King delivered 3 tackles and a TFL against Michigan but it was not enough to slow down a rushing attack that finished with over 400 yards against the Nittany Lions. Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards both rushed for 165+ yards in the 41-17 win in Ann Arbor.

Speaking with the media Wednesday, King admitted this Saturday’s game is a statement opportunity for Penn State. While the Nittany Lions have been strong the past two seasons, the program has not been able to take down Ohio State or Michigan.

“A lot of people around the country believe that Penn State is unable to take the next step,” said King. “I feel like this game is a perfect opportunity for us to go out and prove ourselves against a powerhouse team like Michigan. So I definitely think this is a statement game for us, and I’m definitely looking forward to being out there with my guys.”

As for what to expect from Michigan’s offense this season, King admitted the Wolverines are “very well-rounded” as opposed to a season ago. He called JJ McCarthy a “great quarterback” and noted he’s looking forward to the matchup.

This season, King has 25 total tackles and 1.5 TFL with 2 pass breakups. While that is significantly lower than the 18 pass breakups and 3 interceptions he had a season ago, teams have been less eager to even test his coverage at times in 2023.

We’ll see how things play out on Saturday, but King and the Nittany Lions get this year’s game against Michigan inside Beaver Stadium.