Michigan Football: 3 keys to Wolverines beating Penn State

Win on the ground

The best thing about Michigan football’s win over Illinois was the way that the Wolverines ran the football. They did it early and often.

I know we are all excited about the speed-in-space, but we have to get realistic. It doesn’t seem like that’s going to happen. But with a pretty good offensive line, a stable of solid backs, a solid quarterback and some very good receivers, all the pieces of a good offense are there.

And make no mistake, Shea Patterson or whoever plays quarterback will be better with a running game and the ability to play-action pass with effectiveness. Against Penn State, the running game will be essential.

Most of the time, at least as far as Michigan football is concerned, in these big games, the team that runs the ball better wins. That was true in Wisconsin and it was true at the Big House versus Iowa.

If Michigan can get Zach Charbonnet, Hassan Haskins, Tru Wilson and even Patterson of going on the ground, the chances of winning go way up. On the other side, the defense will have to try and bottle up the fourth-best rushing attack in the Big Ten.