PSU Matchup - and early look

Submitted by Blue Texan on October 9th, 2022 at 7:04 PM

There is usually very little content on Sunday for next Saturday's game.  However the auto-generated sports-reference.com site made me a little giddy for the PSU game:

PSU Leaders

  • Clifford, QB, 85/137, 1030 yards, 9 TD, 2 Int, 
  • Singleton, RB, 63 att, 463 yds, 5 TD
  • Washington, WR, 20 rec, 285 yds, 0 TD
  • Dennis-Sutton, DE, 3 sacks, 5 tackles, 3 tfl
  • Wheatley, S, 2 int, 34 yds, 0 TD

UM Leaders

  • McCarthy, QB, 94/120, 1152 yards, 9 TD, 1 Int
  • Corum, RB, 118 att, 735 yds, 11 TD
  • Bell, WR, 30 rec, 390 yds, 1 TD
  • Morris, DE, 5 sacks, 11 tackles, 7 tfl
  • Moore, DB, 2 int, 37 yds, 0 TD

Caveats/Notes

  • Clifford and McCarthy show stats through 5 starts (although McCarthy has really only played 4.5 games)
  • Even with last weeks penalties, we are still 9th in overall penalties.  PSU is 27th
  • Our SOS is 98th vs theirs at 71st
  • FEI through week 5 has us at #3 net FEI, and PSU at 34th
  • Our special teams (through week 5) are #1 vs PSU's at 27th
  • And don't get me started on coaching.  I'll take a Harbaugh Turtle over a Franklin Fart 8 days a week.

We still have to play the game, but I like our talent, our coaching, and our special teams over PSU.

WE OWN, PENN STATE!!

Ezekiels Creatures

October 9th, 2022 at 7:40 PM ^

WE OWN, PENN STATE!!

 

That would be nice. And I hope that pans out. Just can't have a slow start.

SF Wolverine

October 9th, 2022 at 8:15 PM ^

To state the obvious, PSU is not to be looked past.  QB numbers are not JJ’s, but he’s top handful in the country statistically, and Clifford has the advantage of being an 11th year player there.  Will be really important to get pressure on him, and early.  Their top RB is 7.0+ ypc, and top receiver is 14/catch.  Our productivity has decreased as our opponents have improved.  To win, we’ll need the offense and defense to improve on the many things that didn’t go to plan the past couple of weeks.  I’ll take our team and staff in that bargain, but they’ve still got to get it done.  

tybert

October 9th, 2022 at 8:58 PM ^

I think 7 is right. PSU had an off week to prepare for our D, including the issues we are having with LBs in coverage, which even Franklin notices and will exploit. All the more reason we need to get in and hit Clifford enough times to get into his head by the 2nd half.

On O, PSU always has a good solid D, not giving up many big plays. I'd really like to see Edwards step up with a 2021 Maryland kind of game. And of course Roman back, with JJ hitting at least one lone TD to either Ronnie or Roman.

I expect this to come down either to a late UM drive for the win, or a big stop needed by our D.

Then prepare for a brutal beatdown of Sparty after a bye week.

p.s. glad Illinois is a HOME game this year.

lhglrkwg

October 9th, 2022 at 9:15 PM ^

Not terribly worried about this one though I probably should be

  1. Slopped through games with Central and Northwestern
  2. Michigan under Harbaugh just doesnt lose home games unless its MSU or OSU (Covid year doesnt count)

maybe I’m overconfident but I wouldnt be surprised to see this go 2016 version pt II

HAIL-YEA

October 9th, 2022 at 9:38 PM ^

PSU is by far the most talented team we will have played thus far.  They have a few legit stud freshman that are going to be a pain over the next few years, but for this game it will not be enough.

I am kind of scared the PSU D decides to take IU's gameplan and just attack downhill to stop the run every and we keep running into it again. 

Midukman

October 10th, 2022 at 5:25 AM ^

Their game against NW didn’t add much to the qb stats given the weather. Here’s to hoping our D line continues to T off on opposing qbs. I haven’t watched more than a half of Penn state against Auburn so don’t know much about how their O line matches up?

energyblue1

October 10th, 2022 at 10:33 AM ^

Lbers have to be better this game.  Mullings may get more time this game imo.  Need a lber that will fill this game.  Can't have guys not attacking the offensive player.  I like our dline vs their oline, our db's vs their receivers.  But their rb's are good and our lbers at times have been exposed against the run and pass.  That said, they tightened up real well vs indiana and other teams when they needed to.  

 

Harbaugh4TheWin

October 10th, 2022 at 2:35 PM ^

I like Michigan in a blowout win. Here’s why:

 

  1. +7 Vegas odds favor Michigan. They’re THE stat experts.

  2. +1 point for Michigan Maize Out

  3. +1 for Harbaugh vs. Janklin

  4. +1 for Disrespect by AP polls this week

  5. +1 Maturing McCarthy vs. Clifford ceiling.

  6. +1 for getting Roman Wilson back. (McCarthy-Wilson chemistry)

  7. +1 for getting Nikhai Hill-Green back (hopefully)

  8. +1 for dangerous Eyabi Okie getting more dangerous every week

  9. +1 having beaten a #1 ranked defense already this season. PSU is (FEI) #13

  10. +1 Heisman candidate Shake ’n Blake

  11. +1 for our #1 rated special teams (+ kickers at home)

 

That’s 17 points and 3 scores up, which = comfortable lead and blowout final in my book.

 

Here’s a BONUS +1 just because:

    12. HARBAUGH former Pro QB and Super Bowl coach, vs. Janklin – can’t be overstated.

 

Michigan 28 – PSU 10

 

GO BLUE!!!