Michigan Football: 3 things to watch for against Penn State

Michigan football will take on Penn State Saturday at the Big House and with the game a few days away, here are three things to watch.

Now that we know where Michigan football stands in the College Football Playoff rankings, it’s time to turn the focus back to Penn State, which is the 13th ranked team in the country according to the selection committee.

Michigan football comes in a double-digit favorite but there is no reason why the Wolverines or their fans should take this game for granted. Penn State had Ohio State on the ropes and while that game was in Happy Valley, it shows what the Nittany Lions can do.

The Wolverines should win this game. They are the more complete team and certainly, the more physical team. Yet, there is a reason this could be UM’s toughest test since the season-opener against Notre Dame.

Say what you want about James Franklin, but he has won some big games over the past few seasons. He led Penn State to a Big Ten championship in 2016, a Fiesta Bowl win a season ago and a 2016 win over Ohio State. His team also whipped Michigan 42-13 a season ago, a game the Wolverines don’t want to forget.

Penn State, like Michigan, also has a lot on the line. A win Saturday, plus three more wins would probably get the Nittany Lions to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl. A win would also help Michigan creep closer to at least a Rose Bowl berth and also a berth in the Big Ten title game.

Either way, it’s a huge game and here are three things to watch from a Wolverines perspective.