The Michigan Wolverines host the Penn State Nittany Lions, looking to get back into the win column after three consecutive losses.
Penn State suffered their first loss of the season last week, and will try to extend their win streak over Michigan to five straight.
Records:
Penn State: 4-1 (1-1 Big Ten)
Michigan: 2-4 (0-2 Big Ten)
Last Meeting: Penn State won 43-40 in 2013
Key Stat: The Wolverines defense allowed a season high 476 yards to Rutgers last week. They had previously averaged 283 yards allowed in their first five games.
Penn State Outlook: The Nittany Lions come into this matchup coming off a loss to Northwestern. After starting the season 4-0, Penn State will look to get back in the win column against a Wolverines team that they have beaten in four straight games (though wins from 2008-2010 were vacated).
Sophomore quarterback Christian Hackenberg has been inconsisten, throwing for 1,477 yards and four touchdowns, but also six interceptions in five games.
The running game is averaging just over 100 yards per game behind running backs Bill Belton (189 yards, three scores) and Akeel Lynch (133 yards, one score).
Michigan Outlook: The Wolverines have lost control of their season after a loss to Rutgers last week. At 2-4, coach Brady Hoke is fighting for his job.
Quarterback Devin Gardner was back under center, rushing for two scores in the game. Still, the Michigan offense has averaged less than 20 points per game during their three game losing streak.
Running back Derrick Green has been one of the few bright spots, rushing for 471 yards on 82 carries, with three touchdowns, but he will miss the rest of the season after suffering a broken clavicle in last week's loss.
What to watch for: This could be coach Hoke's last game if Michigan loses their fourth straight on Saturday.
While it appears that Gardner will be the go-to under center, expect the Wolverines to do whatever they can to spark an offense that has had a ton of issues this season.
That could mean going back to Shane Morris if Gardner falls back to being turnover-prone.
What they're saying:
Green begins recovery, Smith set to lead Michigan running backs (MLive.com)
Is student boycott a possibility? (The Michigan Daily)
Prediction:
Penn State - 24, Michigan - 17
Until the Wolverines can show some signs of life offensively, it's hard to have any confidence in this unit putting up enough points to win a football game.
The same may continue on Saturday, despite the game trending towards a lower scoring affair.
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