Michigan Football: Behind enemy lines with a Penn State expert
By Josh LaFond
Who are three Nittany Lions that Michigan fans need to know about?
Alec: I’m going to start with LT Olu Fashanu. I think Michigan football fans remember what they did to Penn State’s offensive line last year, but this is a transformed group led by the RS sophomore at left tackle. He hasn’t allowed a sack this year and is already getting a lot of draft hype despite only starting six career games. Next is tight end Brenton Strange. Kind of like how I mentioned Michigan using strength in numbers to overcome defensive losses from 2021, Penn State is doing the same on offense in trying to replace Jahan Dotson. Strange has 15 catches for 231 yards and four touchdowns. That’s already a career-high in yards and touchdowns for him.
Last year, teams game planned for Dotson, this year they need to game plan for Strange and three talented wide receivers. Lastly, I’ll go to the defense and talk about true freshman linebacker Abdul Carter. This kid is FAST. If Penn State struggles to stop Blake Corum at the line of scrimmage, Carter will be busy. Carter also has the ability to rush the passer thanks to his quickness and size. He, along with Curtis Jacobs, will be the key to stopping the Michigan run game from exploding for big gains.
Nick: For the sake of not repeating, I’ll give three different names. I’ll start with running back Kaytron Allen. Most folks across the college football landscape have already heard a little about Nick Singleton by this point, but don’t be so quick to overlook Allen. He, like Singleton, is also a true freshman and has been wildly impressive so far. He doesn’t have the explosive burst that Singleton does, but he’s got outstanding vision and has yet to be stopped for a loss. Allen is averaging 5.3 yards per carry and has three touchdowns so far on the year.
Switching over to the defense, keep an eye on defensive end Chop Robinson. He’s been very disruptive as a pass rusher so far this year and could give Michigan’s front some fits if they’re forced to have to try to push the ball downfield. Finally, staying along the defensive front, watch out for Hakeem Beamon at defensive tackle. Most Michigan fans are probably familiar with PJ Mustipher since he’s been around for a while, but Beamon is back after missing all of last season and he’s been a key part of the Nittany Lions’ much-improved run defense. I expect him to play a big role in this one as Penn State’s front tries to slow down Blake Corum.