Chances of PSU beating Michigan

[bdgan]

Michigan is 1st in the BiG in rushing offense and PSU is 9th in rushing defense. IMO this isn't a great matchup, especially since Mustipher is out. The DL took another hit with Luketta out yesterday. Hopefully he can return and give us a chance next week.

Every game is big but PSU dug themselves a hole with 3 consecutive losses. This game is probably the difference between a 7-5 season & the Pinstripe Bowl and an 8-4 season with a bowl game in Florida. I sure would be nice if Clifford could run but I don't think that's in the cards. He did have a 4 yard run for a 1st down yesterday but only because he was able to avoid getting hit.

 

[Erial_Lion]

I’d say about 45%

 

[Ram20]

I think there were some positives to draw on yesterday, the run game has looked a "little" better against OSU and Maryland. Until Illinois, Pry has been pretty good at devising defenses against heavy run teams. Nothing gives me more confidence however than the fact that the team and coaching staff seemed happy and engaged at the end of Maryland game. We seem to have a really tough time getting up for games, coming off a loss, early in the day....low energy types. I think we will be motivated to beat Michigan and there should be plenty of incentive. I expect a toss up really.

 

[Nitt1300]

Franklin > Hairball

 

[Bones80]

The Michigan DEs vs Penn State's OTs could get ugly, especially for Clifford. Michigan is down to 1 RB. PSU wins if they get enough explosive plays. Can't see sustained drives out of this team. Michigan wins if they grind it out.

 

[JBott]

The Michigan DEs vs Penn State's OTs could get ugly, especially for Clifford. Michigan is down to 1 RB. PSU wins if they get enough explosive plays. Can't see sustained drives out of this team. Michigan wins if they grind it out.

This is my concern! Protecting Clifford…….

 

[Ceasar]

Since it is at home, 50-50. This game will come down to turnovers, big plays, and Stout not missing easy kicks. Agree with Bones about Michigan's DE's, there better be a game plan to block them with more than just an OT.

 

[Got GSPs]

How old is Michigan at pass defense?

 

[PSUwolf]

Since it is at home, 50-50. This game will come down to turnovers, big plays, and Stout not missing easy kicks. Agree with Bones about Michigan's DE's, there better be a game plan to block them with more than just an OT.

This game could go either way. If PSU can get around 120 to 140 yards on the ground, they win going away. Oh. also need to protect Clifford - A MUST

 

[Bvillebaron]

I think there were some positives to draw on yesterday, the run game has looked a "little" better against OSU and Maryland. Until Illinois, Pry has been pretty good at devising defenses against heavy run teams. Nothing gives me more confidence however than the fact that the team and coaching staff seemed happy and engaged at the end of Maryland game. We seem to have a really tough time getting up for games, coming off a loss, early in the day....low energy types. I think we will be motivated to beat Michigan and there should be plenty of incentive. I expect a toss up really.

If you haven’t seen the video with Franklin running over to the crowd, slapping hands with some of them, trotting behind Dotson and pointing at him, and then holding a baby in a Lion suit, you ought to take a look. Doesn’t look to me like a coach who has his exit strategy in place but what do I know.

 

[BrianS]

IMHO, with a healthy Sean Cliffford, Penn State's chances of beating Michigan are better than 50%! Sean played it safe yesterday, only running when he absolutely had to. I feel the same way for the Michigan State game also. A healthy Clifford would have been a WIN in both the Iowa and Illinois games. His running ability keeps opposing defenses on their guard, and opens up our passing game.

 

[blion72]

IMHO, with a healthy Sean Cliffford, Penn State's chances of beating Michigan are better than 50%! Sean played it safe yesterday, only running when he absolutely had to. I feel the same way for the Michigan State game also. A healthy Clifford would have been a WIN in both the Iowa and Illinois games. His running ability keeps opposing defenses on their guard, and opens up our passing game.

you hit one of the key points......is SC at 100%??? If he really is at full go, we are in a better position. We do not matchup well with UM, so need a big game from SC.

 

[PrtLng Lion]

Sure would be great have Luketa and PJ back. That being said, I think we can hang with them (we were neck and neck with OSU). Our D will keep us in it, as usual. Maybe a turnover or two will be key (going our way).

 

[LaJollaCreek]

50/50 neither team is really that good. At home with that D...PSU has a punchers chance.

 

[psuro]

Better than 50%.

 

[bdgan]

This game could go either way. If PSU can get around 120 to 140 yards on the ground, they win going away. Oh. also need to protect Clifford - A MUST

IMO the only way we get 140 yds on the ground is if Clifford breaks one off for 40 yds. He's been reluctant to try since getting hurt. I think our best chance is to get a defensive TD.

 

[FrontierLion]

I think we win this game ... not so much a reflection on Penn State's performance, but rather Michigan's ability to fall apart year after year. Would love to see them notch two losses in the last three weeks of the season.

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

I’m fully counting on meatchicken getting a few B1G specials from the zebras. Even still, I like our chances of keeping this one close and coming out ahead on the final scoreboard.

 

[BW Lion]

The B1G desires nothing more than "The Game" to have significant meaning. If scUM loses, "The Game" suddenly becomes inconsequential.

As such, PSU's only hope is to keep it close and hope for divine intervention on the last play of the game.

By the way.....the B1G is going to send their best crew for this one to ensure a certain desired outcome, but I don't think it will be O'Neill & Co.

It will be Snodgrass & Co (the new Witvoets).

 

[blion72]

Sure would be great have Luketa and PJ back. That being said, I think we can hang with them (we were neck and neck with OSU). Our D will keep us in it, as usual. Maybe a turnover or two will be key (going our way).

Luketa is a step better than Tarburton at DE, in terms of the pass rush. On run they are a wash.

Why is this game at noon? A game like this should be later, makes no sense. Noon helps UM a bit, and reduces our home advantage.

 

[PSUFTG]

Michigan is 1st in the BiG in rushing offense and PSU is 9th in rushing defense. IMO this isn't a great matchup, especially since Mustipher is out. The DL took another hit with Luketta out yesterday. Hopefully he can return and give us a chance next week.

Every game is big but PSU dug themselves a hole with 3 consecutive losses. This game is probably the difference between a 7-5 season & the Pinstripe Bowl and an 8-4 season with a bowl game in Florida. I sure would be nice if Clifford could run but I don't think that's in the cards. He did have a 4 yard run for a 1st down yesterday but only because he was able to avoid getting hit.

PSU 2021? I think you can flip a coin for just about every game.

 

[Bvillebaron]

you hit one of the key points......is SC at 100%??? If he really is at full go, we are in a better position. We do not matchup well with UM, so need a big game from SC.

Two points. I thought Clifford looked healthy against Maryland. Second, I don’t understand why you think we don’t match up well against Michigan. Their run game isn’t as good as OSU’s and the team by and large held the OSU freshman RB who many claimed could write in the number of yards he was going to rack up against PSU before the game. under control. McNamara isn’t close to being as good as Stroud. My biggest complaint been is whether the OL can keep Hutchinson, their DE off Clifford and hope they use a back to help out.

 

[BW Lion]

Two points. I thought Clifford looked healthy against Maryland. Second, I don’t understand why you think we don’t match up well against Michigan. Their run game isn’t as good as OSU’s and the team by and large held the OSU freshman RB who many claimed could write in the number of yards he was going to rack up against PSU before the game. under control. McNamara isn’t close to being as good as Stroud. My biggest complaint been is whether the OL can keep Hutchinson, their DE off Clifford and hope they use a back to help out.

PSU is very vulnerable in the middle of the field in the range of 7-15 yards downfield because of Pry. In order to win this game, Pry needs to phone either Vanderlinden or Sandusky and ask their opinions on how a Middle Linebacker (ML) should properly defend repeated throws to Tight Ends (TE) in the apparent soft spot in Pry's defense.

Old School Solution (Paterno, Vanderlinden, Sandusky): PSU's ML stays at home spying on whichever of scUM's TE's drag across the middle of the field and thusly "arrives early and viciously", even if it results in repeated 15 yd personal foul penalties and a TD for scUM. Early game messages are long-lasting.

New School Solution (Franklin & Pry): ????

 

[jimjim47]

If you haven’t seen the video with Franklin running over to the crowd, slapping hands with some of them, trotting behind Dotson and pointing at him, and then holding a baby in a Lion suit, you ought to take a look. Doesn’t look to me like a coach who has his exit strategy in place but what do I know.

No, it sounds like a clown of a coach.

 

[jimjim47]

Updating these numbers for Michigan-PSU week, because they've only gotten better: Jim Harbaugh at U-M: -57-23 (71.3%) -39–17 (69.6%) -Weeks in top 5: 19 -Weeks in top 10: 37 James Franklin at PSU: -66–31 (68%) -41-26 (61.2%) -Weeks in top 5: 11 -Weeks in top 10: 33

 

[marshall23]

No, it sounds like a clown of a coach.

Takes one one to know one one

 

[jimjim47]

Takes one one to know one one

In general the PSU alums should be ashamed of some of the antics Franklin exhibits. He is a showboat/salesman hiding as a head coach. OBVIOUSLY. Are we elite yet or still just great.

 

[Erial_Lion]

In general the PSU alums should be ashamed of some of the antics Franklin exhibits. He is a showboat/salesman hiding as a head coach. OBVIOUSLY. Are we elite yet or still just great.

I’m a PSU alum, and not once has James Franklin ever made me feel “ashamed”.

 

[StamfordBridgeVikingatLeftOffensiveTackle]

I’m a PSU alum, and not once has James Franklin ever made me feel “ashamed”.

Me neither.

 

[NewEra 2014]

No, it sounds like a clown of a coach.

So far, the community of posters on this site has been very good. Maybe the mods will think about taking out the trash to keep it that way. ^^^^^

 

[marshall23]

In general the PSU alums should be ashamed of some of the antics Franklin exhibits. He is a showboat/salesman hiding as a head coach. OBVIOUSLY. Are we elite yet or still just great.

"We?" In general, I am amused by fanboys that identify as "we" and then tell "us" how to feel.

 

[psu31trap]

This will be an evenly matched game. 50/50.
Go Lions!

 

[BananaGuyMike]

This will be an evenly matched game. 50/50.
Go Lions!

Probably. But with the way Jimmy called out and humiliated their referees this week, the Big Ten is going to do all they can to keep him happy. I expect more bad calls than we've ever seen before. I'm talking about the heel-toe catch, adding time on the clock, mysterious time outs called to save penalties, mysterious penalties to save turnovers, mysterious turnovers when the replay equipment isn't working, fumbles after the ball is in the endzone by a yard or more, several Penn State players ejected for targeting, and of course all the illegal blocks that aren't called. All of those are going to happen, plus a few things that I haven't imagined, yet. Jimmy's team gets 12 players on defense? Fair. Lineman touches the quarterback after a Penn State interception? Roughing the passer. How about "roughing the center"? Yep. How about "roughing the wide receiver"? Sure! "Roughing the other team's mascot"? Of course! (That's funny because Jimmy's team doesn't even have a mascot.)

I'm afraid that Jimmy will be 0-0 this week, with Penn State 0-1, and the referees 1-0.

 

[PSUriseANDfire]

Chance is 100% just based on the odds.

It will be a fun game I think. I am not a fan of the noon kickoff but it might be a good thing.

I hope we see way less Cain and more Lee.

 

[PSUriseANDfire]

I’m a PSU alum, and not once has James Franklin ever made me feel “ashamed”.

He is a great representative of PSU and more.

I am proud that he is our coach. Hope to goodness when he does break through that it is here.

 

[LionJim]

100%. Final: Michigan 0-2 Penn State in the B1G MSOC Tournament Semifinals. I actually won five bucks in the run up to the Miami Fiesta Bowl game because of this little result in MBB: Penn State 74-61 Miami (Fla), November 29, 1986.

 

[VaDave4PSU]

PSU is very vulnerable in the middle of the field in the range of 7-15 yards downfield because of Pry. In order to win this game, Pry needs to phone either Vanderlinden or Sandusky and ask their opinions on how a Middle Linebacker (ML) should properly defend repeated throws to Tight Ends (TE) in the apparent soft spot in Pry's defense.

Old School Solution (Paterno, Vanderlinden, Sandusky): PSU's ML stays at home spying on whichever of scUM's TE's drag across the middle of the field and thusly "arrives early and viciously", even if it results in repeated 15 yd personal foul penalties and a TD for scUM. Early game messages are long-lasting.

New School Solution (Franklin & Pry): ????

I'm failing to remember which game this year a TE burned us 7-15 yards over the middle repeatedly.

 

[PSU87]

In general the PSU alums should be ashamed of some of the antics Franklin exhibits. He is a showboat/salesman hiding as a head coach. OBVIOUSLY. Are we elite yet or still just great.

Sleepover nose picker sideline psycho Jimmy says hey.

 

[psu31trap]

Probably. But with the way Jimmy called out and humiliated their referees this week, the Big Ten is going to do all they can to keep him happy. I expect more bad calls than we've ever seen before. I'm talking about the heel-toe catch, adding time on the clock, mysterious time outs called to save penalties, mysterious penalties to save turnovers, mysterious turnovers when the replay equipment isn't working, fumbles after the ball is in the endzone by a yard or more, several Penn State players ejected for targeting, and of course all the illegal blocks that aren't called. All of those are going to happen, plus a few things that I haven't imagined, yet. Jimmy's team gets 12 players on defense? Fair. Lineman touches the quarterback after a Penn State interception? Roughing the passer. How about "roughing the center"? Yep. How about "roughing the wide receiver"? Sure! "Roughing the other team's mascot"? Of course! (That's funny because Jimmy's team doesn't even have a mascot.)

I'm afraid that Jimmy will be 0-0 this week, with Penn State 0-1, and the referees 1-0.

You’re correct, but it really needs to stop. Not only does B10 officiating need to improve but it needs to be more consistent. For years I felt Ohio State was getting one favorable call after another during the season. However, during the playoffs they usually fall short, probably because refs from different conferences don’t play favorites. There’s a lot riding on this game for both teams. A Penn State win makes a 9-3 finish very possible. A win by Michigan could catapult them into the B10 championship game. Oh I almost forgot they play OSU in their last game of the year.

 

[hapval8286]

Who thinks that Michigan's main focus on defense will be to shut down Dotson and blitz the heck out of Clifford?
If this is the scenario that plays out PSU will have to rely on P. Washington and the tight ends to get the yards. Our run game is a lost cause unless something remarkable happened in practice this week to turn it around. M.Y. might have to run a few trickery plays to catch Michigan off guard.