Michigan Football: Everything you need to know about Penn State

The only thing scarier in October than a Hitchcock film is a football game under the lights at Beaver Stadium against a 6-0 Penn State. That’s Michigan football’s nightmare this weekend.

We are a few days away from the next test for Michigan football in Penn State, at Penn State, at night, to a white-out crowd.

Will Shea Patterson be up to the task?

Will the defense prove the last two games weren’t a fluke?

So many questions face this team, which has yet to perform as advertised on offense and have out-performed expectations on defense. We know that aside from 2017, Jim Harbaugh has lived rent-free in James Franklin’s head.

The first year the two met, it was in State College, and the brand new Michigan coach took down the second year Franklin, 28-16. Twelve months later, the Wolverines smacked the Nittany Lions in the mouth, 49-10.

Coach Franklin got his retribution on the back of workhorse Saquon Barkley. The now New York Giant registered over 160 yards from scrimmage. Let’s not mention the final score to that one.

Jim exacted revenge last season in The Big House, this time Jim leaning on his steed, Karan Higdon, as well as a ground attack from Patterson and Chris Evans. Michigan walked off the field victorious with an incredible 259 yards rushing, blowing out Penn State 42-7.

This year has a different feel, however. The defense is undoubtedly hitting their stride, but the offense has fallen short, especially during big games. And this is a very big game.

The Nittany Lions exemplify a dynamic offense that can score as many as 79 points. Although, like Michigan football, Penn State was taken for the ride of their life in a low scoring affair this past weekend in Des Moines. Coach Franklin escaped in a contest separated by only five points.

What team will the Wolverines see on Saturday? Here’s a look at Franklin’s squad.