Michigan Wolverines vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Complete Game Preview

Michigan (2-4) football is in total collapse following three straight losses on the gridiron and embroiled in the swirling controversy of quarterback Shane Morris’ delayed concussion diagnosis. Two games into its conference slate, Michigan is dead last in the Big Ten East Division and is desperate for a win.

The team’s struggles on and off the field have both coach Brady Hoke and athletic director David Brandon fighting for their jobs. But the team is not giving up, vowing to “win the week” for their embattled coach. The Wolverines rallied against Rutgers, falling short after a potential game-winning field goal was blocked in the closing minutes.

Next up is a game under the lights at venerable Michigan Stadium. The Wolverines have been able to muster some magical moments during previous home night games and will need some to beat Penn State.

The game has no impact on the national rankings—neither team is ranked—but Michigan will be under the microscope for its performance on the field and at the gate. Hoke is trying to spark his team back to life in an attempt to salvage the season while hoping for a boost from the home crowd. The crowd’s size will also be a factor—Michigan’s streak of consecutive 100,000 crowds is on the line, with rumors of protest against Michigan’s increasingly unpopular athletic director.

Date: Saturday, October 11, 2014

Time: 7:00 p.m. EDT

Place: Michigan Stadium (109,901), Ann Arbor, Mich.

Series vs. Penn State: Michigan leads 10-7

Television: ESPN2

Radio: Michigan Sports Network, Sirius (113), XM (195)

Spread: Penn State by 2 via Odds Shark

Live Stats: MGoBlue.com GameTracker

Last Meeting vs. Penn State

Last year’s 4OT 43-40 loss marked the beginning of a downward spiral for the Wolverines that has carried over to this season. Michigan is 4-9 since that loss at Happy Valley. The Wolverines lead the all-time series (10-7) but have lost the last four games versus the Nittany Lions.

*Information according to University of Michigan Wolverine Football game notes.

Video Preview

Above are highlights from overtime of last year's Michigan versus Penn State matchup.

Michigan Keys to Victory

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Frank Clark

Spread the Field


Michigan’s offense found its footing last week versus Rutgers by spreading the field. Look for offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier to do same thing versus Penn State. The spread opened up lanes for the Michigan running game (35 carries for 158 yards) and allowed quarterback Devin Gardner (10 carries for 40 yards) to gash Rutgers for an electrifying 19-yard touchdown run that got Michigan back in the game during the fourth quarter.

The Wolverines will be without running back Derrick Green, who is out for the rest of the season with a broken clavicle. Backups De'Veon Smith and Justice Hayes will need to pick up the slack.

Own the Night

Michigan has had two amazing performances in previous “Under the Lights” games, and this will be the first Big Ten home game in the stadium’s history. Last year’s 41-30 victory over Notre Dame was the highlight of season for both Michigan and Devin Gardner, but it’s been all downhill since. Michigan needs Gardner to recapture some of the magic from that game.

Smother the Passing Attack

Over the last two games, Michigan’s defense has been ripped through the air, and this week faces a team that averages 306.8 passing yards per game. Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison needs to find a way to slow down the Penn State passing attack, or this game could be over by halftime.

That means getting more pressure up front from defensive end Frank Clark (who just missed a game-changing sack last week versus Rutgers) and defensive tackle Willie Henry while plugging the holes in the defensive secondary. Freshman Jabrill Peppers, who has been out with an undisclosed injury, would give the secondary a much-needed boost if he returns.

Penn State Keys to Victory

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Christian Hackenberg

Throw the Ball

Minnesota and Rutgers have provided the blueprint on how to beat Michigan—throw the ball. Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg might be in for a career game if he can exploit the Michigan secondary as other teams have done this season.

Pressure Gardner

Penn State needs to put heat on Devin Gardner while keeping him from running the ball. Gardner under pressure equals interceptions that Penn State can convert to points.

Special Teams

Penn State field-goal kicker Sam Ficken has made 83 percent of his attempts (10-of-12) this season while Michigan has managed just 55 percent (5-of-9). With Michigan’s offense and defense both faltering, field-goal differential is a huge advantage for Penn State.

Michigan Players to Watch

Leon Halip/Getty Images

De'Veon Smith

Running Back De’Veon Smith

Derrick Green will miss the rest of the season with a broken clavicle that leaves De’Veon Smith (487 carries for 282 yards, four touchdowns) as the top back. Smith and Green were in a virtual dead heat at the top of the depth chart for most of fall camp, and now Smith gets an opportunity to get the bulk of the carries moving forward.

Quarterback Devin Gardner

The fifth-year senior came back strong versus Rutgers even as the team fell short of victory. Gardner is an enigma—he has great physical talent but continues to make mental mistakes that sabotage Michigan’s chances for victory. He's is the wild card in this game. At his best, he’s a devastating offensive weapon. At his worst, he’s a turnover machine.

Defensive Back Blake Countess

Expectations were high for Blake Countess (13 tackles, no interceptions) when he took over the No. 2 jersey prior to the season. But instead of being a game-changer in the defensive backfield, opponents have been targeting him. Countess needs a big game versus Penn State for Michigan to shut down the Penn State passing attack.

Penn State Players to Watch

Alex Goodlett/Getty Images

DaeSean Hamilton

Quarterback Christian Hackenberg

Hackenberg (113-of-195 for 1,477 yards, six interceptions, four touchdowns) has a big opportunity to set career highs versus a Michigan defense that has shown itself to be vulnerable through the air. 


Wide Receivers DaeSean Hamilton and Eugene Lewis

Hamilton (36 receptions for 502 yards) and Lewis (29 receptions for 495 yards) have been Hackenberg’s favorite targets this season, and both are in line for big games versus a porous Michigan secondary.

Defensive Tackle Anthony Zettel

Zettel (17 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks) might set up shop in the Michigan backfield and never leave. Containing him is the top priority for the Michigan offensive line.

What They’re Saying

RICH SCHULTZ/Associated Press

Michigan 

"

I don't think [under the lights at Michigan Stadium] is like any other. We've played enough night games at other places, the environment we've had, there isn't any question it amps players up and we're excited about it.

"

Michigan head coach Brady Hoke via press conference.

"

I think, number one, whenever you play at Michigan Stadium it's special -- going down the tunnel. But this is the first Big Ten game under the lights in front of our fans, and I think it will be a great environment just like the other two night games (with Notre Dame). And this will be special because it's the first one against a Big Ten school.

"

Michigan head coach Brady Hoke via mgoblue.com.

"

Every time I watch film I say that’s good, that’s good then…oh that’s bad…I know success is right around the corner.

"

Michigan defensive coordinator coach Greg Mattison via press conference.

Penn State

"

Let's be honest, for most of this season so far, [Christian Hackenberg] has shouldered a lot of the offense…Now that the running game is getting going, I think that's going to be really, really helpful.

"

Penn State head coach James Franklin via PENNLIVE.COM.

"

Football is a game about tendencies…You can't do the same thing on every route. I don't want to be predictable. I disguise things as best I can. I don't run the same route the same way every time.

"

Penn State receiver DaeSean Hamilton via GOPSUSPORTS.COM.

Prediction

Tony Ding/Associated Press

Penn State 34, Michigan 31

Penn State slashes the Michigan secondary for big plays to put another nail in the coffin on Michigan’s season. Devin Gardner puts in a gutsy performance, but Penn State capitalizes on turnovers to pull out the road victory.

Phil Callihan is a featured writer for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotations obtained firsthand.

Follow @PSCallihan