Michigan Football: How the Wolverines can beat Penn State
By Peter Arango
Michigan football is a big underdog heading into Happy Valley Saturday night. But here is how the Wolverines can do the unthinkable and beat Penn State.
It could happen. Michigan football could beat Penn State. But if it’s going to be done, there are three things that UM needs to accomplish and here they are.
Related Story: Which QB should start against Penn State?
First, Michigan football has to convert third downs.
The offense has to stay on the field long enough to wear down the Penn State defense and allow the Wolverine defense time to recharge. With every conversion, a tough Michigan defensive squad has a chance to breathe, power up, and return to the field when needed with maximum impact.
It would be great to see an occasional slant or screen pass to pick up six or seven yards and keep the Lions’ defense honest, but Michigan is going to have to win this one on the ground, yard by yard.
Michigan football has to force turnovers and keep possession of the ball.
Ball control is essential as this team will need every edge to put enough points on the board. The defense can keep the score low, but fumbles and interceptions rob the offense of the chance to work into the red zone, score or kick a field goal. Point-by-point big Blue can stay with Penn State, just ahead enough to allow the defense to do its work. One defensive score could make all the difference. One offensive bobble could lose the game.
Fortunately, Michigan’s pass defense is outstanding, limiting the damage McSorley can do through the air. The oft quoted maizenbrew.com puts it this way:
“Wolverines have the best pass defense in the nation (first in S&P+, YPA, and passer rating). Lavert Hill is emerging as a Jourdan Lewis clone, and David Long and Brandon Watson have been excellent on the other side of the field. The trio of corners just held Indiana to its worst passing output of the season and star wideout Simmie Cobbs, Jr. to only 39 yards on four grabs. Penn State doesn’t have a wide receiver of that caliber.”
Michigan has to figure out how to avoid dumb penalties.
If holding prevents a sack – ok. If pass interference prevents a touchdown – ok. Any other penalty is a stake through the offense’s heart. Off sides, delay of game, unsportsmanlike conduct – poison. Penn State doesn’t need fifteen extra yards or an unearned possession. Don Brown’s defensive unit is exceptional, and yet, they managed to pick up 3 penalties on one play in the Indiana game. That simply has to stop.
All of this has an obvious purpose: To keep Saquon Barkley off the field or on the ground. Michigan’s defense has the ability to hold this phenomenon to human scaled numbers on Saturday … if
If the offensive is on the field for half the time, if no turnovers give the ball away, if no dumb penalties erase a touchdown or give up a touchdown.
Next: Top 10 Michigan Running Backs of All Time
Upset alert. It can happen. Go Blue