Steve Clinkscale weighs in on challenges Penn State will present
The Michigan Wolverines have had plenty of national spotlights on them this fall, but none will be as big as Saturday afternoon’s showcase against Penn State. Many have labeled this as a two-game season for Michigan, and Saturday is where things get real in pursuit of another Big Ten title.
Some have accused Michigan of looking too bored or too clinical throughout the year, but they do not see it that way at all. The guys in the building treat every week the same, but know what’s on the line this weekend.
“For the fan’s sake and media, no disrespect, we get up for everybody,” co-defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale said on Wednesday. “When we play each other, it’s exciting. When we do the spring game here, it’s competitive. I don’t like the other coaches. They don’t like me. We don’t talk, really, we don’t talk. We’re a competitive bunch. Whether it’s Penn State or UNLV or Minnesota, whoever it may be, we’re going to be up for the game. We’re not going to walk in there flat. We’re going to be prepared and go out there and execute.”
Penn State brings a stout offensive line and talented quarterback in Drew Allar to the table. Clinkscale broke down the challenge they will present to his Michigan defense this week this week.
“The first thing that stands out is their offensive line, they do a great job protecting that quarterback,” Clinkscale said. “They give him time, he can go through his progressions. The tight ends help as well. They’re big targets, they have great hands. I’m not sure I’ve seen them drop a ball on film, to be honest with you. Having those weapons, you watch a lot of NFL and great quarterbacks, what do they usually all have? A great what? Tight end, right? Those two guys are definitely helping their passing game.
“Their wide receiver corps, very similar every year we face them. They’re very explosive guys. They run great routes, twitched up. They know where to be. Why he’s throwing the ball, where he’s throwing it. They’re coached up very well and I think this is going to be our best challenge, our number one challenge, here to date as an entire group. They don’t just have one guy, they have several guys that can take it to the house. Break tackles and make plays. It’s a big challenge for us and we’re ready for it.”
On the other side of the ball, Clinkscale has a great deal of respect for what Michigan will see from Penn State’s secondary on Saturday and had praise for defensive backs coach Terry Smith.
“I think they have a lot of talent,” he said. “I’ve known their DB coach for an extremely long time. I’ve known Terry since I started coaching, so I’ve known Terry for 23 years. I think they do a really good job. I think our personalities and how we coach are very similar so I think they will get the best out of their guys and I think they’re going to be up for the task. J.J. and our receivers and tight ends are doing a great job. Our O-line is protecting and we’ve got the run game. They’ll be prepared for us. It’s just going to be a matter of who can execute, out-execute and have the will to win. I think they’ll be prepared but we’ll see.”
Michigan heads to Penn State on Saturday for a Big Ten East showdown with major implications. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET with FOX’s Big Noon Saturday on the coverage from Happy Valley.
