Michigan Football: 3 keys to Wolverines beating Penn State

Michigan football will battle seventh-ranked Penn State this week and here are three keys to a Wolverines victory in Happy Valley.

The last time that Michigan football played at Penn State, it was very similar to what the Wolverines will be facing this Saturday when they travel to take on the seventh-ranked team in the country.

Michigan football comes in as No. 16 and at 5-1. Back in 2017, UM was also 5-1 and was ranked, getting set to take a very good Penn State team that rolled the Wolverines 42-13. That loss sent 2017 into a downward spiral.

This game could have the same sort of impact.

Right now, this team feels like its teetering. At times, the defense has been great and even the offense has had its moments. But rarely have both sides of the ball put it together for four quarters.

As great as the defense has been, what was up with 25-straight points allowed to Illinois? One touchdown came after a fumble but still, what gives?

And we all know the offense is prone to periods of non-movement. While the defense got lit up, the offense went stagnant. If that happens Saturday, it’s hard to see Michigan football winning this game.

Unlike Ohio State and maybe even Notre Dame, the Wolverines know they can beat Penn State. Jim Harbaugh is 3-1 against James Franklin, so it’s not like there should be a huge mental block.

But the Wolverines still need to be at their best and as far as winning this game, here are three keys to success.