Staff Predictions: Michigan football at Penn State

Everyone, including Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, it appears, is taking shots at Michigan for its alleged illegal on-site scouting and sign stealing. U-M players have continued to see it everywhere they turn, and it’s got to be taxing and tough to try to keep the eye on the prize — a Big Ten title and College Football Playoff berth. 

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It truly is Michigan vs. Everybody. 

Up next — a Nittany Lions team under a head coach in James Franklin who has had about as much big game success as Joe Exotic. Franklin’s teams almost always find a way to get it done (by that, we mean “lose”) in huge conference games — they’ll get another shot Saturday against No. 2 Michigan. 

The big question … what’s the Michigan team’s mindset heading into this one? We know they’re saying all the right things, but it takes a mindset to be a villain, and this isn’t the 1980s Miami Hurricanes here. Those guys embraced the criticism and the hatred and used it to their advantage. Is that something this U-M squad will do? Is it something it’s capable of doing?

Head coach Jim Harbaugh’s status is up in the air, too, adding another layer to the story.  Would the Big Ten really come back Friday with a suspension for the Michigan coach, to which U-M would have to file an injunction? We should all know relatively soon, but it’s just as possible Petitti punts until next week. He has several options. 

The ‘W’ last week could have gone to anyone, but there’s only one winner. Sorry, losers (I mean, guys). This week’s champion gets an advance copy of Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s memoir, “I Got Michigan’s Signs from Rutgers and Still Couldn’t Win — My Side” and a front row seat to what should be an absolutely epic showdown between the Wolverines and Buckeyes Nov. 25. 

Michigan at Penn State staff predictions

CHRIS BALAS: We like Michigan on both sides of the ball — the Wolverines are just a better football team. But how will the focus be with all that’s hanging over their heads? All the B.S. about how the wins are only because of a practice “85 to 90 percent of teams” engage in, per reports. 

If they embrace it, they could unleash some hell and change the narrative. That needs to be the goal. Saturday, they find a way to get it done in a hostile environment. Michigan 24, Penn State 17.

JOHN BORTON: It’s been more than a quarter century since a Michigan team with an overwhelming defense, Heisman contender and national championship hopes rolled into State College, Pa., looking for a fistfight. They called it Judgment Day, but judgment came early, decisively, and brutally. Back then, the Wolverines faced a legion of people they needed to shut up.

Time for a refresher course. Michigan 34 Penn State 8

CLAYTON SAYFIE: Penn State’s defense will make life tough for a Michigan team that’s struggled to run the ball at times this season, surprisingly. At the same time, the Wolverines have kept things vanilla and will show some wrinkles in this one. Junior quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who’s 22-of-29 with 21 first downs on 3rd and 7 or longer this season, gives the Maize and Blue a chance even when things are off-script, too. Penn State’s offense has faded as the season went on but played well against Maryland last week. Michigan’s defense will be up for the challenge in its first real test of the year. Michigan 34, Penn State 20

ANTHONY BROOME: Michigan’s biggest game of the season to this point has been headlined by another week full of noise and uncertainty surrounding Jim Harbaugh, and a potential punishment from the Big Ten. Despite that, I expect a team Saturday that is ready to unleash all of this bottled-up energy that it’s built over the last 10 weeks. Penn State is as close to Michigan’s equal as anyone in the conference this year. You look to the margins for ways that Michigan may have an edge. To me, it starts with having the best quarterback on the field in JJ McCarthy and more explosive playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Michigan’s defense will be tested, but I expect them to lock in and deliver a signature performance in Happy Valley. Michigan 28, Penn State 16

DOUG SKENE: Finally, an opponent that makes you go “hmmm”.  Penn State is a tough environment to play in, and the PSU defensive front has some real NFL talent that will challenge the Michigan OL.  Michigan’s offensive tackles must keep JJ clean in early moments of the game and the rushing offense must be effective early as well.  Michigan has more to prove than just their high ranking these days and I think they will get it done. Michigan 35, Penn State 21