#19 Michigan @ #2 Penn State Preview.
#19 Michigan (2-1)(5-1) @ #2 Penn State (3-0)(6-0)
Saturday; 7:30/ABC
Penn State -9.5
Over/Under 44.5
The vacation has ended for Penn State. This will be the first of three consecutive tests to determine whether this team is for real, or just another overrated team. They face Ohio State in Columbus next week and a ranked Michigan State team awaits them after that. They had the extra week to prepare for Michigan.
Michigan needed overtime to get past Indiana; 27-20, last week. That follows the loss at home to Michigan State a week earlier. The Wolverines offense has struggled since the loss of starting quarterback, Wilton Speight. They rank eighth or worse in every major offensive category except rushing in the Big Ten. Red zone efficiency has been abysmal by only having six touchdowns on 18 trips.
Penn State doesn't have those worries. Everyone is aware of the consensus Heisman leader, Saquon Barkley. He has been an all purpose machine; leading the FBS, averaging 217 yards per game. Although he only has two 100 yard rushing games; but when he does, he averages 6.4 yards per carry. Barkley is certainly not the only weapon in Penn State's arsenal. Quarterback; Trace McSorley connecting with DaeSean Hamilton, Juwan Johnson and tight end, Mike Gesiki has been very productive also. McSorley has a 154.1 quarterback rating; completing two thirds of his passes with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions. Hamilton and Johnson each have over 300 receiving yards.
Both of these squads have strong defenses. The Penn State defense leads the FBS only allowing nine points a game; while Michigan's defense leads the FBS allowing 224 yards a game. Michigan has a good pass rush and very good tackles led by Maurice Hurst. Barkley will face the sixth best rushing defense. But Michigan hasn't faced a good passing team yet, so McSorley could do damage if given the time.
The strength of both defenses could make this game a relatively low scoring, Big Ten battle. But it's obvious that Penn State has quite a bit more firepower at its disposal. I believe Saquon Barkley will have a Heisman worthy performance and McSorley and the other skill players will be able to knock the Michigan defense off balance. Should also add that how long will the Michigan defense be out on the field because of the problems with their offices. With this game being played at Beaver Stadium, take the Lions and the points.
Penn State 31-17
