At the beginning of the season, Michigan and Penn State were looked at very similarly: both had new head coaches, both new head coaches came from the Big 12, and both head coaches were expected to bring these programs back from the brink.
Well, neither seems to be doing the best at helping these programs come back, as the Nittany Lions are 3-3 without a conference win and Michigan is 3-2, also without a conference win. So, both teams are in relatively the same boat, making this a pivotal matchup on both sides. Who's going to end up coming out on top?
The Wolverines theoretically are still in play for the College Football Playoff thanks to the number of ranked opponents on their schedule. If the Wolverines were able to win out, which would include wins over No. 5 Indiana, No. 4 Ohio State, and No. 12 UCLA, as well as a formerly ranked Oregon team, maybe the selection committee could see something in Michigan.
That has to start with a win over Penn State, which has struggled offensively with the copy-and-paste Iowa State team Matt Campbell brought with him from over in Ames. The Wolverines are a solid favorite, but now this team has to show that they actually made progress during the bye week, especially offensively.
Final odds for Penn State. vs. Michigan in Week 7
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Penn State: +6.5 (-110)
- Michigan: -6.5 (-110)
Moneyline
- Penn State: +190
- Michigan -235
Total
- O/U: 42-5 (-114/-106)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Kyle Whittingham will earn his first win in Big Ten against Penn State
Kyle Whittingham has yet to win in the Big Ten, with back-to-back losses to Iowa and Minnesota before the bye week. If the former Utah coach wants to prove that he can coach at the level of the Big Ten, then a win over the Nittany Lions is a must.
Michigan's defense really isn't the problem, far from it, actually. It is the offense that has everyone up in arms, and if Bryce Underwood can't get something going against this Penn State defense, which is allowing 315.7 yards per game to opposing offenses, then it might never happen.
Not only does Underwood need to perform well, but the offensive line needs to come together and give him some protection. That could serve to be difficult with the number of linemen on the injury report for Michigan, but something has to give.
If the offensive line can look even slightly better, it could help get the run and passing game going, giving Underwood more time to get through his reads properly.
I think this Penn State team just doesn't have what it takes to get past Jay Hill's stout defense, which is why Whittingham will get his first win in the Big Ten, and Michigan started on, hopefully, a long win streak.
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