Blue Blood Showdown: No. 10 Penn State vs. No. 3 Michigan Preview

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – In quite possibly their biggest test of the season, the No. 10 Penn State Nittany Lions host the No. 3 Wolverines in Happy Valley for a noon Stripe Out showdown on Fox.

The game on Saturday, Nov. 11 between these programs will be the last time until 2025. The expanded Big Ten Conference will snap a 10-year streak of consecutive meetings since 2013 between these storied programs.

The last time Penn State walked away victorious over Michigan was in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 modified season. Current fourth-year students were first years at this time.

The ground game was a difference-maker, with former running back Keyvone Lee and former quarterbacks Sean Clifford and Will Levis leading the offensive effort. Since then, the blue and white’s recruiting cycle has turned over, and the program has entered into a new era of opportunity.

Scouting the Nittany Lions

Penn State’s offense has proven potential for explosive plays, and the contest versus Maryland proved its willingness to utilize its playbook.

A crucial scoring drive saw both quarterbacks, Drew Allar and Beau Pribula, take the field together for a quarterback package. Allar’s 240 passing yards and four touchdowns versus the Terrapins showcased his arm talent and confidence in the pocket.

On the ground, running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton’s combined 111 yards marched the offense forward with an efficiency that fatigued Maryland’s defense for sizable passing plays.

“That game control will be an important part of this game,” Head Coach James Franklin said in his weekly press conference.

So far in its season, Michigan has held the cards for all of its previous matchups. If the Nittany Lions can challenge the undefeated Wolverines for that control early on offense, they will be able to stay alive throughout the game.

Defensively, Franklin also mentioned that the blue and white has improved its gap responsibility with considerable size on the defensive line. None of the Nittany Lions’ last eight opponents have eclipsed 100 rushing yards, which holds true as the longest active FBS streak.

“It could come down to a one-possession game,” Head Coach James Franklin said.

Following practice on Wednesday, Nov. 8, safety Jaylen Reed mentioned wide receivers KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Dante Cephas as great competition to train with ahead of facing slot receivers.

Defensive end Chop Robinson was seen dressed at practice on Wednesday. His absence on the field emerged as a major motivator on the team, according to Franklin.

Scouting the Wolverines

The first player who emerges as a top offensive talent for Penn State’s defense to manage is running back Blake Corum.

A First-Team All-American and two-time All-Big Ten selection, Corum went unchecked by the Nittany Lions last year in Ann Arbor, where he rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns.

“Even though he’s an undersized guy, he’s a powerful guy who’s always falling forward,” Franklin said regarding Corum.

Now a year removed from their last battle on the road, Penn State’s bolstered rushing defense adds a new variable to the equation.

The Nittany Lions have only allowed opponents to put up an average of 60.3 rushing yards per game (No. 1 in the nation). However, quarterback J.J. McCarthy can strike from the air if Corum is stopped on the ground.

McCarthy’s 75.7 completion percentage, combined with a strong football IQ and plenty of experience in high-pressure matchups should give Michigan confidence heading into the lion’s den.

With only one game lost in two years starting and a new season-high 335 passing yards versus Purdue on Nov. 4, McCarthy and Michigan will be looking to draw first blood as soon as possible in the game.

However, new developments in the Michigan sign-stealing controversy and the Big Ten’s sideline suspension issued to Head Coach Jim Harbaugh could shake things up.

Despite the outside noise, Penn State and Michigan are poised to deliver exciting action with a methodical strategy.

“When opportunities present themselves, we got to take advantage,” Franklin said. “I think patience is going to be critical.”

Emma Holtz is a fourth-year majoring in public relations. To contact her, email emma.holtz01@gmail.com.