Michigan Wolverine Football: Penn State at Michigan — What May Happen
Posted at 7:00am — 10/11/2014
Michigan Wolverine Football: Penn State at Michigan — What May Happen
More Unknowns to Figure Out
Michigan plays Penn State Saturday night in a minefield and somewhat unglamorous under the lights affair. Fans are still irate, students are whining, and answers are still in doubt, if there are any answers. Derrick Green is out as a result of a broken collarbone, DeVeon Smith’s health is still somewhat of a mystery (although signs are good), and Drake Johnson may have to come out of mothballs. Justice Hayes may be asked to go outside, but Penn State is pretty strong on the perimeter.
Sep 27, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsDevin Gardner is slated to start at quarterback. The real question is will he be rolled out or stay in the pocket against a good defensive front led by Anthony Zettel. To what extent will Devin stay within the system or bend the system basic tenets.
Penn State has had two weeks to rest and prepare for Michigan and lick the wounds from the Northwestern game. The weather will be better, something quarterback Christian Hackenberg will be happen about. The Penn State defense did not need that amount of time, assuming Michigan runs power tackle and inside zone as the primary offensive options. Below are some key topics in understanding the nature of the game.
Penn State beat Central Florida, a better team than Michigan. The Nits also beat Rutgers, who beat Michigan. Those games are only general indicators, Michigan can win this game, but two factors must come into play. First, Michigan will have to play with even more grit than against Rutgers. The grit factor was not off the chart, but improved. Second, Michigan will need to keep the safeties back and not get sucked into easy pitch and catch touchdowns like against Rutgers. The front seven will have to do the job against the struggling Penn State running game. Michigan’s linebackers will be tested on the quick outs, the drag patterns, and maybe even some variations of the screen game.
Sep 27, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) looks to throw the ball in the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY SportsChristian Hackenberg is the best quarterback Michigan has so far faced this year and the Wolverine defense must defend against him up top and offend against him with a pass rush. Throwing ineffective blitzes and putting the safeties up close is a recipe for further disaster. In short, Michigan may have to play conservative, depend on the front seven and play more bend and break: this is the nature of the opponent.
It would be good logic to assume a game in the 20’s score wise. The team that bogs down and settles for field goals may lose, although if the game’s outcome comes down to kicking, Penn State’s unit is very sound.
Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Anthony Zettel (98) during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan 43-40 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OThe Penn State defensive line is solid. Michigan’s offense must be balanced and come up with a couple more options, Gardner talking off, or Michigan hitting some big running plays. Penn State plays the outside game pretty well and going at Zettel in the inside game is probably a losing proposition. This good front unit of Penn State will challenge Michigan’s offensive line. Michigan’s offense will probably look similar to the Rutgers’ game, and the results may be similar as well. Every drive that can be put together is precious and the defense will need to win third down. How is a question that at this time remains unanswered. The view here, as mentioned, is that UM may have to play more straight up. The danger of that is that with no rush, Hackenberg can pick average teams apart. The receivers are not household names, but are solid, at least as good as Utah and Rutgers.
Penn State only has one loss, albeit an ugly one. Minnesota, Utah, and Rutgers all have one loss. Michigan has contributed well to the causes of others.
We will see if the team comes out with intensity, the play hard part of a good game. If this happens, we will all see if Michigan plays well. There will need to be fundamental change or fundamental improvement for that to happen.
Northwestern won with tough defense and playing opportunity football. Unfortunately Michigan is in the cellar in creating turnovers. Northwestern has a quarterback that can run the read option and make good decisions. The Wildcats used timing and quickness to beat the favored Penn State team.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu
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