Penn State vs. Michigan football preview

#3 Nittany Lions look for win over struggling Wolverines

BY THE NUMBERS: #3 Penn State Welcomes Michigan

Date: Saturday, October 18th
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
Location: Beaver Stadium / State College, PA

After an impressive 48-7 win at Wisconsin last weekend, the nation is finally starting to pay attention to the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Lions, now ranked #3 in both polls, dominated the Badgers on ESPN in primetime and did so from the opening kickoff. The win moved Penn State to 7-0 and 3-0 in the Big Ten and raised the eyebrows of fans and voters across the country.

With payback on their minds, the Nittany Lions welcome Michigan to Happy Valley this weekend, a team that is struggling mightily in Coach Rich Rodriguez’s first season. The Wolverines lost to Toledo 13-10 last Saturday, marking the first time in school history the team lost to a current MAC opponent. With youth and inexperience all over the field, Michigan has limped to a 2-4 record and Rodriguez’s spread offense has yet to live up to expectations.

Freshman QB Steven Threet and freshman RB Sam McGuffie have provided most of the offense for the Wolverines, but will need to have the game of their lives this weekend just to compete. Following nine straight losses to Michigan, expect Penn State to play with a purpose this weekend.

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Let’s take a closer look at the numbers:

• 18.8 - Michigan is averaging only 18.8 points per game (102 nd in nation) through six games compared to Penn State’s 45.3 points per game (7 th in nation) through seven games. By experience and talent, these two offenses are in two totally different leagues at this point in the season.

• 160.6 - Penn State QB Daryll Clark leads the Big Ten and is 11th in the nation with a 160.6 passer rating. He has 16 total touchdowns (10 passing) and has thrown only two interceptions. Michigan QB Steven Threet, on the other hand, is completing 50.8 percent of his passes and has thrown for only 708 yards and six touchdowns. Advantage Penn State.

• 11.0 - Apparently, Penn State can play a little defense too. The Nittany Lions are allowing 11.0 points per game (6 th in the nation) while the Wolverines are allowing 24.8 points per game (64 th in the nation). Only nine touchdowns have been scored on Penn State compared to 16 against the Wolverines. Look for the Lions’ defense to have a field day this weekend.

Notes: Coach Joe Paterno has a career record of 3-10 against Michigan... The Wolverines currently have the worst offense in the Big Ten by total yards and points... Penn State has a scoring margin of 34.3 this season, among the best in the nation

Prediction: Penn State 45 - Michigan 10

by Chris Goodrich
BigTen-fans.com Penn State Correspondent

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