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Penn State football vs. Michigan: How to watch on TV, what to look for from 0-5 Lions

Frank Bodani
York Daily Record

He is the best performer on the worst team in the Big Ten.

Junior receiver Jahan Dotson has exceeded all expectations while his Penn State football team has crashed to 0-5.

One of the biggest preseason questions for the Nittany Lions revolved around Dotson taking over the No. 1 receiver role and helping lead an inexperienced group.

Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson (5) eludes Iowa defensive back Riley Moss (33) during an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020.(AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

To answer, he's been the most productive player on the team and one of its most outspoken public leaders. He will try to be a driving force in breaking this unprecedented losing streak Saturday at Michigan. 

Dotson's 31 catches already tops his total from all of last year. His 527 receiving yards are second in the Big Ten.

He's one of only three Power Five receivers with at least 30 receptions, 525 yards and six touchdowns through five games.

He's not only been consistent but also spectacular at times, such as his back-to-back, one-handed catches against Ohio State. He scored three times against the undefeated Buckeyes.

If anything, his success can be a confidence boost to those like freshmen receiver Parker Washington and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. The same way he learned from KJ Hamler the previous two seasons.

"I'm just trying to get my receiver room to make every play possible," Dotson said.

"Coach (Taylor Stubblefield) talks about how we're like the paper starting the fire. We know we have to get on a roll early in games. That’s been a big emphasis for us.

"I'm just trying to keep everyone’s head up, make sure we’re always ready for a moment when it comes, to make a play." 

Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Sevyn Banks (7) makes a hit to force Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Parker Washington (3) out of bounds during the fourth quarter of the NCAA football game at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020.

How do I watch?

TV:Tune into ABC for Saturday's noon start. Dave Pasch will do play-by-play with Mike Golic on color. Paul Carcaterra will report from the sideline.

Radio: WSBA 910 AM, WHGB 1400 AM; Sirius/XM 132/207/967

Watch online: Check out fuboTV with a free trial

Listen online:Penn State Sports Online Audio

Weather: Mostly sunny with a high of 45 degrees. Winds light and variable.

Series: Michigan leads, 14-9, and has not lost to the Nittany Lions in Ann Arbor since 2009. 

Betting line: Michigan is a 2 point favorite

He's everywhere: Jayson Oweh is just the second Penn State defensive lineman in 20 years to total 30 or more tackles through the first five games. His 33 tackles are second on the team. Defensive tackle DaQuan Jones had 30 tackles to start the 2013 season.

Quick strike: Sean Clifford threw touchdown passes on back-to-back passes against Iowa — the first time a Penn State quarterback did that since Trace McSorley in 2018. He did it in the fourth quarter at Illinois with a 16-yard pass to Juwan Johnson and a 21-yarder to KJ Hamler.

Still prolific: Despite their 0-5 record, the Lions rank fourth in the Big Ten in total offense, averaging 418 per game. They lead the league with 126 first downs.

Giving it away: Penn State is ranked 124th nationally out of 127 teams in turnover margin. They have committed 13 turnovers through five games and have forced only four.

Penn State

Head coach: James Franklin (56-28, 7th season at Penn State; 80-43, 10th season overall)

Last three seasons

  • 2019: 11-2 (7-2 Big Ten) 
  • 2018: 9-4 (6-3 Big Ten)
  • 2017: 11-2 (7-2 Big Ten)

2020 schedule

10/24 at Indiana, L, 35-36 (OT)

10/31 OHIO STATE, L, 25-38

11/7 MARYLAND, L, 19-35

11/14 at Nebraska, L, 23-30

11/21 IOWA, L, 21-41

11/28 at Michigan

12/5 at Rutgers

12/12 MICHIGAN STATE

12/19 Big Ten Champions Week

Top performers

  • Jr.  WR Jahan Dotson (31 receptions, 527 yards, 6 TDs; 4 punt returns, 64 yards)
  • Fr. WR Parker Washington (21 receptions, 256 yards, 3 TDs; 4 kick returns, 75 yards)
  • Jr.  QB Sean Clifford (87-of-152 passing, 57.2%, 1,070 yards, 11 TDs, 8 INTs; 64 carries, 182 yards, TD)
  • So. DE Jayson Oweh (33 tackles, 5.5 TFLs)
  • Sr.  DE Shaka Toney (17 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, forced fumble)
  • Sr.  S Lamont Wade (27 tackles, INT, 2 fumbles recovered) 

More recent PSU coverage

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh looks on before the game against the Rutgers at SHI Stadium on Nov. 21, 2020.

Michigan

Head coach: Jim Harbaugh (49-21, 6th season at Michigan; 78-42, 10th season overall)

Last three seasons

  • 2019 record: 9-4 (6-3 Big Ten)
  • 2018 record: 10-3 (8-1 Big Ten)
  • 2017 record: 8-5 (5-4 Big Ten)

2020 schedule

10/24 at Minnesota, W, 49-24

10/31 MICHIGAN STATE, L, 24-27 

11/7  at Indiana, L, 21-38

11/13 WISCONSIN, L, 11-49

11/21 at Rutgers, W, 48-42, (3 OT)

11/28 PENN STATE

12/5 MARYLAND

12/12 at Ohio State

12/19 Big Ten Champions Week

Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Giles Jackson (0) carries the ball during a kick return as Rutgers Scarlet Knights linebacker Chris Conti (30) pursues during the third quarter Nov. 21, 2020, at SHI Stadium.

Top performers 

  • Jr. WR Ronnie Bell (22 receptions, 361 yards, TD)
  • So. WR Giles Jackson (15 receptions, 167 yards; 5 punt returns, 45 yards; 13 kick returns, 354 yards, TD)
  • Jr.  RB Hassan Haskins (44 carries, 274 yards, 4 TDs) 
  • So. QB Cade McNamara (31-of-46 passing, 334 yards, 5 TDs, 0 INTs)
  • Sr. LB Josh Ross (41 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, sack, INT)
  • Sr. DT Carlo Kemp (16 tackles, 3.0 TFLs, 2 sacks)