Michigan Wolverines football at Penn State: Staff predictions

It’s not Groundhog Day in Pennsylvania, but it feels like it — ‘again,’ as Bill Murray might say. Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines football team has been at this crossroads before in Happy Valley, but something always seems to prevent his squad from getting over the hump.

Two years ago, U-M rallied behind Shea Patterson, only to have Ronnie Bell drop a pass in the end zone that would have tied the game late in the fourth quarter. One of Brady Hoke’s teams lost a triple overtime thriller when his normally reliable kicker kept missing field goals.

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Teams make their own breaks, for the most part. That’s how college football works. Harbaugh, though, seems overdue for some luck in big games, whether it’s calls, bounces, key plays at opportune times, whatever.

He’ll get another chance against Penn State and James Franklin, who continues to raise eyebrows with his behavior. Like the best used car salesman — whether he’s trying to sell a sap on the old family truckster with side wood paneling or pulling another kind of bait and switch — Franklin’s been good at deflecting every time he blows a sale (or loses a big game).

He announced after a loss to Illinois that he was switching agents (great timing) — perhaps nothing screams ‘get me out of here’ more other than perhaps saying, ‘what’s a guy got to do to get fired around here? (Detroit Lions coach Darryl Rogers, 1980ish). And then he completely botched a press conference before his team played Ohio State.

“Obviously I’ve been asked this question multiple times. My focus is completely on Illinois and this team and this program,” he said (before a game with OSU). “I think I’ve shown over my eight years my commitment to this university and this community. And that’s kind of my statement.”

And that was kind of … weird. Especially when he later corrected himself and talked about playing Ohio State at ‘The Big House’ (maybe a Freudian slip?).

Regardless, Franklin’s team played OSU tough, and it’s never an easy task to play in front of the raucous PSU crowd. The Wolverines will need to play a clean game to win, but they’re capable.

We’d love to know who’s in the replay booth Saturday before we make our picks, but it is what it is.

Congratulations to last week’s winner. This Saturday’s gets a pat on the back and two, front row tickets to the New Kids on the Block reunion concert.  

The Picks: 

CHRIS BALAS: Sean Clifford is hurting, and so is the Penn State running game. The Nittany Lions haven’t been able to run on anyone, and with the big red dog relegated to the pocket, that’s one less threat the Wolverines have to contain.

Give receiver Jahan Dotson some extra attention, have some success on the ground and leave a step closer to playing Ohio State for the Big Ten East title against Ohio State. That’s the goal — they get it done.  Michigan 23, Penn State 17

JOHN BORTON: This one’s a defensive struggle. First one to 20 (or just past) wins. In the end, it goes to Moody’s Blues. Michigan 23, Penn State 20

CLAYTON SAYFIE: The Wolverines should be able to run the ball and put together drives, and Penn State can be one-dimensional at times with a lack of rushing success.

Michigan has top-notch edge defenders who will get after Sean Clifford, who’s not particularly great when facing pressure.  Michigan 27, Penn State 23

ANTHONY BROOME: Here comes the latest biggest game of the Jim Harbaugh era. That is, unless they win and everyone moves the goalposts again. Penn State doesn’t run the ball well and it seems likely they will try to test Michigan’s secondary with Jahan Dotson and Parker Washington.

Sean Clifford is healthy and they are a different team when he’s out there. Michigan will lean on Aidan Hutchinson and Davis Ojabo to speed everything up and force Penn State into less than ideal situations.

Offensively, Michigan is going to have its work cut out for it, especially if health affects depth. Penn State ranks sixth in red zone defense and Michigan’s issues there could loom large, but it will help to get Erick All back if they can. Hassan Haskins will have to lead the way and Cade McNamara will continue to be the gamer he is. Relying on Jake Moody isn’t ideal, but they’ll need a big kick from him Saturday. Michigan 30, Penn State 28

DOUG SKENE: The key to victory for Michigan at Penn State is simple: eliminate drive killing mistakes, protect the ball, and play to the high end of each man’s potential.  That goes for both sides of the ball.  The offensive line has to provide clean pass protection.  The Michigan defense must disrupt the PSU backfield.  

Michigan is the better team in this game.  They must play with toughness and smarts to get a victory in rowdy Happy Valley. Michigan 27,
Penn State 21

DOUG KARSCH: Big Test. It’s a hard game to pick with so many Wolverines questionable.  Penn State has an elite wide receiver in Jahan Dotson and Michigan had better be ready for the quick snap (Indiana wasn’t going to do it with a freshman QB).

In recent years, Michigan’s best players have not left a November legacy. Aidan Hutchinson has Michigan DNA and David Ojabo is one hungry football player. Their pressure is the difference along with Hassan Haskins in the run game. Michigan 19, Penn State 14

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