It's Penn State-Michigan week: Time, TV info; the spread, early storylines, and more
Penn State hits the road this week when it travels to Michigan for a top-10 matchup in Ann Arbor. A kick time and TV network have been set, and the opening spread is out, as well.
We get you ready for game day each week with our Monday preview, which you can find below.
Time and TV info
This is the FOX ‘Big Noon’ game of the week. Kickoff is set for just after Noon ET at Michigan Stadium. The network’s top crew of Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, and Jenny Taft will have the call. Penn State was last on FOX for its season-opening win at Purdue. That game, of course, aired in primetime.
What is the Penn State-Michigan spread?
According to Vegas Insider, Penn State is a seven-point road underdog. The line opened at 10 points back on Saturday but has been dropping ever since.
Game week schedule for Penn State
Following the bye week, Penn State will have a regular media schedule this week.
Tuesday will see player interviews and a lengthy news conference with Franklin at lunchtime. On Wednesday, more player calls will take place in addition to a chance to watch practice plus another opportunity to interview Franklin and a player.
Thursday brings the Penn State Coaches Show, which Franklin typically appears on for the last half hour, and that will be it for the week until Saturday after the game.
What’s up with the Wolverines?
Despite winning 31-10 at Indiana on Saturday, Michigan fell in the Associated Press top-25 from No. 4 to No. 5. The Wolverines are firing on all cylinders on defense. The total for this contest will likely be low as both teams thrive on that side of the ball but can struggle on offense.
“I feel like we haven’t even scratched the surface yet of our potential. Once this offense comes together and we play as a cohesive unit and we’re in a unit, naturally, then we’re going to be a very dangerous offense,” Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy said. “But we haven’t even scratched the surface yet for that.”
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Michigan has won every game so far by at least a touchdown and has taken five of six contests by at least 10 points.
Weather outlook
Weather.com calls for a mostly sunny day. A high of 60 degrees is expected. It could be a windy day, however. The current forecast suggests winds could blow at 15 miles per hour during the game.
Early Penn State-Michigan storylines
–Will Penn State be ready to roll coming out of its bye week? The Lions have been hot and cold in the James Franklin era coming off the off week. It cannot afford that this time around.
–Is KeAndre Lambert-Smith going to be available? The Nittany Lions receiver was hurt early in the Northwestern win and left the field in a walking boot. His status has not been discussed since, but it’s something we’ll keep a close eye on this week.
–Penn State won in its last trip to the ‘Big House’ but that was in front of no fans in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. It has otherwise not fared well there. Can this year be different? And, will quarterback Sean Clifford be at his best against the Wolverines? It means as much to the outcome as any other factor does.
