Michigan Football: Everything you need to know about Penn State

Special teams

Blake Gillikin‘s punts can be blocked, a fact that should make Jordan Glasgow salivate like Pavlov’s dogs. Back-to-back games with a block would elevate Glasgow’s already famous last name into legendary status. He’s already the team’s second-leading tackler, why not put a cherry on top?

The only person you have to worry about for Penn State’s special teams is KJ Hamler. KJ Hamler, KJ Hamler, KJ Hamler. As a dad, I have learned kids need to hear things multiple times for them to learn. The lesson won’t take, but hey, I tried.

KJ Hamler is not only the guy who will catch the defense, but he’s also the guy who will burn the punt and kick coverage teams – unless Jake McCurry can tackle one of KJ’s teammates into the ball as is his specialty.

As the team’s primary return specialist, KJ averages 15 yards per kick return and eight yards per punt return.

Matt’s musings

Yes, Penn State did allow Iowa to score 12 points…in Des Moines. I’m not convinced Michigan would have walked away victorious had the Iowa game been in their house. It was too tight of a game, and the assistance from 110,000+ screaming fans certainly helped.

The Wolverines won’t get any assistance in Beaver Stadium by the 105,000+ shouting obscenities at them.

What the fans will likely see is what a loud minority of the fan base has requested, a change a quarterback. Whether it’s brief or not, those fans will get to see if Shea is the guy brawling with top-five defenses and struggling, or if Dylan McCaffrey is as good as predicted.