Michigan Wolverines vs Penn State Nittany Lions: Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

Where: Beaver Stadium in University Park, PA

When: Saturday, October 19th at 7:30 pm EST

How (TV): ABC

Michigan Wolverines (Away)

The Michigan defense, the last two weeks:

▪️ 25 Tackles For Loss
▪️ 14.0 Sacks

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— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) October 16, 2019

Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh {All-Time: 72-36 | STAN, MICH}

Regular Season Record: 5-1

After rattling off three straight wins since the debacle at Wisconsin, the Michigan Wolverines will face a test in their third ranked opponent of the season. Coach Jim Harbaugh will look to add a signature win to a track record that is lacking impressive wins since he took over at his alma mater. Although it may not be Ohio State, a victory at the always hostile Beaver Stadium will go a long way toward him and his team gaining respect around college football.

The Wolverines are coming off a convincing win over their final Big Ten West Division opponent of the season, taking down Illinois 42-25 in Champaign. Running backs Zach Charbonnet and Hassan Haskins each cracked the century mark in rushing yards, leading a run game that put up 295 yards on the ground. Despite completing just half of his 22 pass attempts, quarterback Shea Patterson made the most of his reps by throwing touchdown passes to Donovan Peoples-Jones, Nick Eubanks, and Luke Schoonmaker.

Michigan’s 15th ranked scoring defense harassed Illinois quarterback Matt Robinson all game long, stripping him for two fumbles and sacking him four times. Senior linebacker Josh Uche would tally three of those sacks to help his unit prevent a complete meltdown after giving up 25 unanswered points. Defensive coordinator Don Brown will look to ensure they do not allow such a lapse to reoccur as the schedule ramps up in difficulty.

Back-to-back-to-back appearances in Happy Valley. @collegegameday knows what’s up. ? #WeAre pic.twitter.com/aL5nMvO7uN

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) October 14, 2019

Head Coach: James Franklin {All-Time: 75-36 | VAN, PSU}

Regular Season Record: 6-0

Having proven themselves against a ranked opponent on the road last week, the Penn State Nittany Lions return home for another playoff resume-building opportunity. Armed with the second-best scoring defense in the country (8.2 points allowed), the Nittany Lions have yet to allow multiple touchdowns in a game and will look to continue that streak against an inconsistent Michigan offense.

Despite being outgunned 356-294 in last week’s game against Iowa, Penn State managed to grind out a 17-12 road victory in Kinnick Stadium. Freshman running back Noah Cain led the way with 102 rushing yards and a touchdown to support quarterback, Sean Clifford. Clifford had a rough outing, completing just half of his 24 pass attempts for a measly 117 yards in the air while connecting with top receiver K.J. Hamler for a touchdown.

PSU’s defense proved to the difference-maker by winning the turnover battle with an interception from reserve safety Jaquan Brisker and a fumble recovery by linebacker Jan Johnson. Those turnovers would be crucial in the winning effort, as 10 of their points came on the ensuing possessions. With 52 points off turnovers thus far this season, the Nittany Lions have made a habit of making opponents pay for their miscues.

Michigan vs Penn State All-Time Series

In 22 total meetings, Michigan holds a 14-8 series lead with the two schools splitting the last ten games. The Wolverines won last year’s game in a 42-7 blowout at the Big House, but have won just once since 2006 in Beaver Stadium. That lone win occurred in Harbaugh’s first season at the helm in 2015, although that was over an unranked Nittany Lions squad. One would have to go back to 1999 to find Michigan’s last road victory over a ranked Penn State team.

Michigan Roster Notes

Junior defensive end Kwity Paye is listed as questionable with a leg injury, however, coach Harbaugh estimates that there is a good chance he will play against Penn State.

Junior receiver Nico Collins is listed as questionable after missing last week’s game with an undisclosed injury.

Senior tight end Nick Eubanks is listed as questionable after leaving last week’s game with an undisclosed injury.

Senior tight end Sean McKeon is listed as questionable with a leg injury.

Freshman running back Zach Charbonnet is listed as questionable after leaving last week’s game with an undisclosed injury.

Freshman tight end Erick All is listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury.

Penn State Roster Notes

Redshirt freshman receiver Daniel George is listed as questionable with a wrist injury.

Redshirt sophomore running back Journey Brown is listed as questionable with a knee injury.

Junior defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos is listed as questionable with a lower-body injury suffered last week against Iowa.

Head-to-Head: Khaleke Hudson (MICH) vs Pat Freiermuth (PSU)

Although this game features explosive athletes such as Charbonnet, Peoples-Jones, and Hamler, the matchup to focus on will be between one of the top tight ends in the Big Ten in Pat Freiermuth and a versatile defender in Khaleke Hudson. With Hamler likely to draw attention to Michigan’s defensive backs, Freiermuth should get his fair share of looks, while Hudson should be expected to contribute some big plays on defense.

Khaleke Hudson

Outside Linebacker/Safety | 6-0, 220lb | McKeesport Area HS | McKeesport, PA | Senior

After starting his college career as a special teamer, Khaleke Hudson burst onto the scene in his sophomore season in 2017. Hudson put his name in the record books that year by racking up 8 tackles for a loss in a win over Minnesota, tying a single-game NCAA record. His lack of bulk and elite athleticism may be a concern for NFL scouts who struggle to determine his position in the pros, however his instincts allow him to be a disruptive force. His knack for defending tight ends well should not only make him a key factor for Michigan’s success against Penn State, but could also help his draft stock.

Pat Freiermuth

Tight End/H-Back | 6-5, 256lb | Brooks School | Merrimac, MA | Sophomore

Given his fitting build for a tight end, Pat Freiermuth has quickly become a key red-zone weapon in Penn State’s offense. Despite playing with a run-oriented quarterback in Trace McSorley last season, the Massachusetts ranked second in touchdowns by a tight end with eight, a feat rarely seen from freshmen at his position. Although his freshman season is somewhat similar to the one churned out by Rob Gronkowski, it is not entirely fair to compare him to the future Hall-of-Famer right now, even if he happens to wear number 87. With his route running abilities improving as the season goes along, Freiermuth will continue to be a matchup problem for Big Ten defenses.

Michigan at Penn State Predictions and Odds

Find the latest odds for Michigan vs Penn State below. The odds are provided by New Jersey sportsbooks bet365 NJ, DraftKings, and Unibet NJ.

Good luck! 

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