Michigan at Penn State: Live stream, watch online, TV channel, streaming info
Penn State hosts Michigan in its toughest test and arguably the best Big Ten game to date
By
Tom Fornelli
•
2 min read
The last time Penn State and Michigan met was last year in Ann Arbor when the Wolverines throttled the Nittany Lions 49-10. It was the largest margin of victory by either team in the 20-game history of the series, and it played a key role in keeping Penn State out of the College Football Playoff last season. Now the Nittany Lions enter the game ranked No. 2 in the nation and seeking revenge.
Viewing information
Date: Saturday, Oct. 21 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Beaver Stadium -- University Park, Pennsylvania
TV: ABC | Live stream: WatchESPN
Storylines
Penn State: While revenge for last season is indeed on the mind of the Nittany Lions, they have a lot more to play for than that. This is the No. 2 team in the country, and right now Penn State sits in the driver's seat for the Big Ten's likely playoff berth. A win against Michigan would virtually eliminate the Wolverines from contention in the Big Ten East, and it would also end a three-game losing streak in the series. While Saquon Barkley receives a lot of attention -- and deservedly so -- for his performances, as does quarterback Trace McSorley, the truth is the defense leads this Penn State squad. It's one of the top units in the country in a host of different statistical categories, and it's also the only defense in the entire FBS that's yet to allow a point in the first quarter of any game this season.
Michigan: It seems some have written off Michigan a little too easily in recent weeks following its loss at home to Michigan State and a narrow victory over Indiana last week. The loss of Wilton Speight has slowed down an offense that was already experiencing some struggles, but a new weapon may have emerged last week. Karan Higdon rushed for a career-high 200 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime last week. He could prove to be the spark plug the Wolverines have been looking for on offense.
Prediction
I believe Michigan's offensive struggles are overblown to a degree -- it's about the red zone more than anything else, which is a legitimate concern -- and I think this game will feature more scoring than one might expect. Of course, that doesn't mean I believe we've got a Big 12-style shootout on our hands, but there will be touchdowns, and I do believe it's going to be close. And that's why I have a hard time passing up the points with Michigan, even if I think Penn State is the better team. Pick: Michigan +10.5
