5 predictions for Michigan Football against Penn State

J.J. McCarthy will play better than Sean Clifford

Another pivotal factor in this matchup of top-10 teams is going to be the quarterback play. Cade McNamara made one of the biggest plays of his career last year with a 47-yard touchdown pass to Erick All that helped the Wolverines rally for a monstrous win.

That was the win that truly turned the tide (after the Michigan State debacle) and gave the Wolverines the confidence that they could beat Ohio State.

At any rate, J.J. McCarthy was really good last week against Indiana. The game was put in his hands and he threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. The interception was costly and could have made it a game again.

The same thing can’t happen Saturday but I don’t think it will. McCarthy will take what the defense gives him (he leads the nation in completion percentage) and will make a few plays with his legs.

This is one of the games where he needs to let it all hang out. Clifford has been solid too (9 TDs, 2 interceptions) but I believe the Michigan pass rush wil impact him more and because of that, McCarthy has the better day and his best stat will be zero turnovers