What to know about Michigan's game against Penn State

The Nittany Lions are just one of 12 remaining undefeated FBS teams.

By Ashley Bastock / The Blade
Tue, 15 Oct 2019 16:02:32 GMT

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Here is a look at the University of Michigan’s Week 8 matchup.

Who: No. 16 Michigan (5-1, 3-1 Big Ten) at No. 7 Penn State (6-0, 3-0)

When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET

TV: ABC

Radio: WMIM 98.3 FM

Line: Penn State by 9

Over/under: 45

Series: Michigan leads 14-8

Key matchup

Speed in space vs. one of the top scoring defenses. The Nittany Lions currently rank second in the nation in scoring defense. They allow just 8.2 points per game, and haven’t surrendered more than 13 points in any game this season. Michigan has faced two top-10 defenses already, putting up 14 points in a loss to Wisconsin and 10 points in a win over Iowa. Michigan has struggled with fumbles (ranked 126 of 130 FBS schools), but the Wolverines won’t be able to afford those kinds of turnovers against a defense that gives the opposition so few opportunities to score. Michigan will also need to find a way to make explosive plays (passes of 16 yards and runs of 12) in order to make the most of its opportunities.

Players to watch

■ Michigan: Khaleke Hudson. Michigan’s “viper” linebacker has led the Wolverines in five out of six games this season in total tackles. He currently leads the team with 58 tackles. Hudson’s ability to rush the passer and drop back in coverage will be a major role in the game, given Penn State’s balanced offense. Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford had five straight 200-yard passing games this season, before Iowa snapped his streak. But Penn State is also able to rely on its committee of running backs — Journey Brown, Ricky Slade, Devyn Ford, and Noah Cain — known as the “#LawnBoyz,” even if the passing game isn’t as productive. 

■ Penn State: KJ Hamler. Michigan linebacker Josh Uche described the receiver as the Nittany Lions’ “X-factor” this week. He’s an essential part of Penn State spreading the ball around, and has 26 receptions for 455 yards and five touchdowns, already tying his total scores from 2018. Against Iowa last week, Hamler caught a career-high seven passes for 61 yards.

Did you know?

Penn State is just one of 12 undefeated teams remaining of 130 FBS schools. The last time the Nittany Lions started a season 6-0 was in 2017. That season, Penn State improved to 7-0 after beating Michigan 42-13 at home, in what was also a white out game under the lights that was featured on ESPN’s “College GameDay.”

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