PSU Preview: Michigan

Game 8

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Saturday, October 18th. 4:30 p.m. est. Beaver Stadium


Michigan comes to Happy Valley on Saturday for a weirdly scheduled kickoff on Homecoming. Penn State (7-0, 3-0) is looking to beat the Wolverines (pronounced Vulv-er-eeeens) for the first time since 1996, and will try to avoid looking ahead to next weekend's showdown in Columbus. The 3rd ranked Lions are perhaps the most powerful overall team in the country; they are very solid in all phases of the game: offense, defense, and special teams--which is a rarity not only in college football but in the history of Penn State football. PSU has outscored its opponents 377-77, and has had 46 plays of 20 or more yards. Conversely, Michigan comes in to Beaver Stadium on a 2 game losing streak, most notably last weekend to Toledo. The Wolverines, coached by the ultimate slimeball snake Rich Rodriquez (not to be confused with that turd Roderrrrio), are not a good team, but are very desperate and won't exactly roll over. So, fire up the ugly-as-shit tissue paper float that's supposed to be Rocky but looks like a fuckin' grisly bear, get drunk as shit, scream your face off for Dear Old State, and enjoy the pounding we're gonna put on Michigan on Homecoming.


Let's break it down, shall we?...

When PSU is on offense: this should be one of the best defenses Penn State will face all year, if not the best. Michigan has a very good defensive line and will get a boost from the return of DE Brandon Graham. Armed with 2 big defensive tackles, Michigan's rush defense ranks 21st in the country, while its pass defense is a crappy 94th nationally. That being said, the Michigan defense has yet to face anything close to the offense that we have. Penn State's Daryll Clark-led Spread HD (ranked 9th) has so many looks, so many options, and so many weapons that Michigan will have its hands full. It's not as if we need to play mistake-free football to get the better of the Wolverine defense, but we must be sure to execute properly and limit costly turnovers.

When PSU is on defense: Our defense, which is very good, is seemingly becoming stronger each week. On the other hand, Michigan's offense sucks. Compound that with the fact that their starting QB, Stephen Threet, is probably not going to play. His replacement, Nick Sheridan is even worse than Threet; he doesn't have a good an arm or running ability. It's possible the Wolverines will also be without true freshman RB Sam Mcguffie. In any case, Michigan's offense (ranked 109th nationally) is in for a long night against our top-ten defense.

When you build a building above the hat of William Penn: how long are you cursed? We'll find out.

Bottom line: 12 years of frustration for Penn State will be avenged on Saturday night. Barring any major mistakes, this one should be pretty easy. The key will be our offensive gameplan and execution; if we can do offensively what we did against Illinois and Wisconsin, then a new streak will begin. Happy Homecoming!

KNITS Pick...

Michigan: 0

PSU: 35


A few game notes...

1. Starting right guard Stefphen Wisniewski may not play on Saturday. He sprained his MCL and the coaches want him better for the OSU game. In his play will be Mike Lucian, who is very good and very capable. After all, Lucian started 8 games last year at right guard.

2. Evan Royster reportedly dislocated a finger in practice; he's said to be fine and will play.

3. Look for a military "fly-by" right after the National Anthem. Lt. Daniel Caffey and Goose in one of them? No sir, Goose passed away and Caffey is having an intense relationship with Iceman.

4. Red Card Weekend, but lime green vest.

LET'S GO STATE!!!