BWI Live: Penn State vs. Michigan preview
The Penn State Nittany Lions take on the Michigan Wolverines this weekend in Happy Valley for the most important game of the 2023 season. Join the Blue White Illustrated Live Show today at 10 a.m. as we discuss the last win for Penn State, James Franklin’s press conference on Monday, and preview the upcoming game against Michigan.
James Franklin press conference
Penn State head coach James Franklin spoke with the media on Monday to discuss the upcoming game against the Wolverines. We’ll discuss what the media asked Franklin and what his responses mean for the upcoming game. Senior Editor Nate Bauer and publisher Sean Fitz have extensive experience taking the correct meaning from Franklin’s comments and explaining the nuance of the situation.
Of course, the main topic of Monday’s press conference was the Penn State run defense, which was gashed last year by the Wolverines. Franklin thinks his team is better in several areas than they were last season.
“I think we have been much more disciplined and consistent in gap responsibility. There has been times where we have tried to make plays and get out of our gap, and against good teams the ball will find the open gap,” Franklin said.
“I think we’re a little bit bigger. I think the size has helped us as well. We’re a little bit bigger across the front, specifically the D-line. Not to the point where it’s affected our ability to move. I think that’s a big part of what we do as well, is our movements and our games.”
Penn State vs. Michigan
Once we conclude the look at Franklin’s press conference, we’ll finish the show discussing the upcoming game. We’ll give you an early preview of what situations and matchups will help determine the game and which players will need to play their best for the Nittany Lions to get a victory.
As he does each week, Franklin highlights the players they think are the most dangerous on each side of thel ball. Here are the players he gave this week. On offense, things start with quarterback JJ McCarthy.
Top 10
- 1Breaking
DJ Lagway
Florida QB to return vs. LSU
- 2
Dylan Raiola injury
Nebraska QB will play vs. USC
- 3
Elko pokes at Kiffin
A&M coach jokes over kick times
- 4New
SEC changes course
Alcohol sales at SEC Championship Game
- 5
Bryce Underwood
Michigan prepared to offer No. 1 recruit $10.5M over 4 years
“Their quarterback has been a differentiator for them, completing almost 76% of his balls. Also has the ability to make plays with his feet either running for first downs or extending plays,” Franklin said.
“We all know about Blake Corum. Roman Wilson is having a great year who we also have a bunch of respect for. And then their offensive line has won the Joe Moore Award for the best offensive line in college football the last two years.”
On defense, Franklin pointed to more players on one side of the ball for an opponent than he has for any other team.
“We’re impressed with their nickel, No. 0, Mr. Sainristill; linebacker, No. 23, Barrett, linebacker No. 25, Junior Colson; defensive end No. 17 Braiden McGregor; defensive tackle No. 55 Mason Graham; defensive end No. 32 Jaylen Harrell; and then cornerback No. 2 Will Johnson, guys we have a lot of respect for.”
Join us at 10 a.m. on YouTube to be a part of the show!
