The Penn State offense looks to finally break Jim Harbaugh, Michigan
Frank Bodani
Most everything has changed since the last time they met.
It's easy on both sides to recall the 39-point demolition Michigan unleashed on the Nittany Lions last fall in Ann Arbor.
But since then, the Lions have been a different team, rolling through the Big Ten like furious storm clouds gathering on the plains. They've won 15 of 16 games and haven't lost in the league.
They are balanced now — and still undefeated — as they prepare to prove themselves to the nation on a different level Saturday night. They go against a somewhat quizzical operation under vaunted head coach Jim Harbaugh.
The eccentric former quarterback suddenly leads a team with no passing game to speak of.
A Michigan team surviving on its interchangeable tailbacks and its granite defense.
More:Penn State vs. Michigan prediction: Whipping the Wolverines at their own game
That main storyline is that high-powered defense against Penn State's high-powered, multi-faceted offense. Heisman Trophy leader Saquon Barkley going against Michigan stud defensive linemen Maurice Hurst and Rashan Gary.
Now, to the most important bullet-point items as Penn State looks for some well-timed revenge against the Wolverines ...
Key matchup
Offensive line vs. Michigan defensive line/linebackers: The Wolverines will bring the heat against Penn State's questionable blocking.
Did the bye week help the Lions up front, especially at their vulnerable right tackle spot?
Michigan features three potential game-wreckers in their front seven — Hurst, Gary and linebacker Devin Bush.
Hurst was credited with a stunning six quarterback hurries last week at Indiana. He's already piled up six tackles for loss and a forced fumble and feasted on the Lions last year.
More:Penn State puts focus on Michigan, not 'College GameDay,' rankings, coaching rumors
Gary, the nation's top recruit a couple of years ago, is a beast to handle on the outside and is flashing more dominant streaks.
They team well with Bush, the most productive linebacker in the Big Ten (five sacks, 48 tackles). His pressure is a big concern up the middle against new sophomore center Connor McGovern and the guards.
Key player
Penn State: Defensive tackles Parker Cothren and Curtis Cothran. The Wolverines want to run the ball with their four-headed monster of Karan Higdon, Ty Isaac, Chris Evans and Kareem Walker. They all carried the ball early last week against Indiana, though Higdon was the star with 25 carries for 200 yards and the game-winning touchdown in overtime.
Michigan must be successful on the ground and control the clock to stay in this. So a spotlight will be on two guys who rarely get it, Cothren and Cothran. They must stuff the middle and force things outside. There, Penn State's superior speed can clean things up.
Michigan: Quarterback John O'Korn. He must be a game manager, not a game-breaker for the Wolverines. But he was rocky if not dysfunctional in his first two starts (three interceptions vs. Michigan State; only 58 passing yards vs. Indiana). He can't afford to keep missing open, big-play receivers or the Lions' pass rushers will tee off.
Saturday's kickoff
What: No. 19 Michigan Wolverines (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) at No. 2 Penn State Nittany Lions (6-0, 3-0)
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Beaver Stadium (106,572)
TV: WHTM Channel 27
Radio: WSBA-910 AM, WGLD-1440
The Line: Penn State by 9.5
The series
Michigan leads, 13-7
(Last four meetings)
2016: Michigan 49, Penn State 10
2015: Michigan 28, Penn State, 16
2014: Michigan 18, Penn State 13
2013: Penn State 43, Michigan 40 (4 OT)
2017 state comparison
PSU Michigan
39.7 Points per game 27.2
291.2 Pass yards per game 191.3
165 Rush yards per game 185
456.2 Total yards per game 376.3
167.8 Pass yards allowed 138
117.3 Rush yards allowed 85.8
285.2 Total yards allowed 223.8
9.0 Points allowed 14.7
0.8 Turnovers per game 2.0
2.8 Turnovers forced per game 1.5
38.7 Penalty yards per game 74.3
