Michigan Football: 5 Predictions for Wolverines against Penn State

Whoever controls the ground will win the game

Of the two units, the Penn State defense has played much better than its offense and looking back even to the Indiana game, the Hoosiers struggled the move the ball before winning in overtime.

However, in the last two games, Nebraska and Iowa have been able to establish the run and each team rushed for more than 140 yards against Penn State, which should be a promising sign for a Michigan football run game that hasn’t been great.

Michigan actually ranks 11th in the Big Ten in rushing yards, while Penn State is 5th in rushing yards allowed. Yet, on the offensive end, Penn State averages just 3.4 yards per attempt and is down to basically its fourth-string running back.

The Wolverines run defense hasn’t been great either and ranks ninth in the conference, although the 300-yard day from Wisconsin certainly hurt that average.

The bottom line is that both teams are onto their second quarterback and establishing the run will be huge. If the Wolverines can win the battle on the ground, McNamara’s job will be easier, the defense can stay on the sideline more and that’s a recipe for a win.