Penn State vs Michigan preview

Posted by Joe Chuba

Steve Jones looks ahead to Penn State’s primetime match up with Michigan Saturday

During the pre-season it was a close race for the quarterback job at Penn State.  In the end Rob Bolden won it.  Saturday’s win at Minnesota showed why the race was so competitive.  Bolden got off to a sizzling 11-13 start for 130 yards and a touchdown.  When he went out Kevin Newsome and Matt McGloin stepped in.  McGloin threw for 76 yards and a pair of touchdowns.  In fact McGloin’s first pass attempt was a 42 yard scoring strike to Derek Moye. 
Silas Redd stepped into the thick of the fourth quarter and delivered a series of strong runs.  He ended up with 71 yards in what could be a preview of coming attractions for him. 
The defense gave up too many rushing yards again but in the final quarter and a half stepped up and made plays.  Devon Still’s sack for a safety put the game away.  McGloin’s first touchdown pass was set up by D’Anton Lynn’s 58 yard interception return.  Lynn continues to play at a high level at the corner spot. 
Collin Wagner equaled his career high with a 49 yard field goal… in fact he is now six of seven beyond 40 yards.  Anthony Fera is quietly putting together a solid season.  Everyone knows his kickoff work has been outstanding…in fact 44% of his kickoffs have resulted in touchbacks.  As a punter he is averaging better than 41 yards per punt and ten of his punts have been knocked down inside the 20 yard line.
Michigan will have had two weeks to prepare.  Denard Robinson is as dynamic a quarterback as there is in the country.  He certainly is confident.  When asked who the best quarterback is in the Big Ten he said… he was.  He has rushed for 1,096 yards and passed for better than 1,300 yards.  He has taken his shots.  He has been knocked out of games with knee and shoulder injuries, but the bye week has helped him. 
Vincent Smith and Michael Shaw compliment Robinson in the ground game.  Robison has three top flight receivers to throw to in Junior Hemmingway, Darryl Stonum, and Roy Roundtree.
The Michigan defense is giving up 441 yards and better than 28 points per game.  Jonas Mouton leads the team in tackles and interceptions.  Safety Jordan Kovacs leads them in tackles for losses with seven and that is rare for a safety.
The Michigan kicking game has been an adventure so far.  Two kickers have combined to go two for eight in field goals with a season long 34 yards. 
Michigan has also committed seven turnovers in their last two losses.
It is prime time and a big game for both teams Saturday night in the white out at Beaver Stadium.

Game notes:
Michigan leads the series 10-5
Penn State has won the last 2 meetings
From 1997 to 2007 Michigan won 9 straight meetings (the two did not meet in 2003 & 2004)

Tags: pennstatefootballjoepaternobeaverstadiumprimetimeespnmichiganrobboldenmcgloindenardrobinson |

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