Brutal defense, rested team, two weeks to prepare. McSorely nicked. Going to be very tough sledding. Have to make a big play on special teams and force a couple of turnovers. Can’t let Higdon hammer us. What say you?
Chances against Michigan....
- Thread starter PSURDM1987
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We controlled both sides of the line of scrimmage against Ohio State for most of the game. Most of us probably didn't expect that. We need to do the same against Michigan and have better linebacker play. Two years ago when they ran over us, we were playing some 3/4th string linebackers due to injury/targeting. We need LBs to step up and tackle.
Going to be tough sledding for sure.
The good news is that anything can happen in any given week in the Big Ten. The bad news is that Meatchicken is coming in high at home, and PSU is still rebounding from the OSU loss.......
Edge Meatchicken................. but that's why we play the game.
Michigan is similar to Iowa. Better at WR, worse at TE, slightly better at RB. Both have stout defenses, but accomplish things in a different manner.
We can't gift Michigan the same points we did Iowa. Additionally, I think Michigan comes after Trace every snap, particularly more now that they know he's dinged up. Aggressive play on both sides, Michigan wants revenge.
I foresee another close one.
We can't gift Michigan the same points we did Iowa. Additionally, I think Michigan comes after Trace every snap, particularly more now that they know he's dinged up. Aggressive play on both sides, Michigan wants revenge.
I foresee another close one.
We always seem to play to the level of the opponent. So I wouldn't be surprised if we play them tough and its close, though I'm concerned about us scoring enough to win.
Michigan "D" players will TARGET any chance they get.
I doubt it will be called more than ONCE during the game against them.
You can also look for a even-up targeting call if Michigan gets called on it first.
You heard it here first.
I doubt it will be called more than ONCE during the game against them.
You can also look for a even-up targeting call if Michigan gets called on it first.
You heard it here first.
We have shown a lot of class and unfortunately, I think we are what we've shown. With that said, I think it we can slow down Higdon, we have a shot. Also, I hope Tommy gets more reps this week.
It’s really not weather we win or lose. The important thing is now that the Iowa trolls have left when may we expect the arrival of the obvious Michigan trolls?
Well we've got GuessYouWereWrong leading the charge in this thread. Going to track how many get put on ignore this week.
Two biggest factors working against us (in order of impotance) imho: Referines and it's a Road Game. IOW, even if we play well, the b1g cheaters will tilt the game in scUM's favor via "proactive officiating" (take a look at the joke manner in which the MSU game was called for a perfect example).
The way Penn State has played these last couple of games not going to end well. I despise Michigan and everything about them but they are playing well and we struggle and seem to collapse big time in the 4th quarter.
IMO, if we get a fair shake on the officiating we can win.....but that is a BIG IF at this point. Knowing what we know has happened several times at the Big Out House I am not hopeful we get a fair shake.
Michigan is the conference's only chance for CFP at this point, so that tells you right there how the officiating is going to go. It's never been fair there before, with much less on the line, so I expect UM to get some bogus calls going their way.
Michigan is the better team:
Offense - Even
Defense - Michigan
Special Teams - Michigan
Coaching Staff - Michigan
Home Field Advantage - Michigan
We haven't played well enough to expect to win this game.
Offense - Even
Defense - Michigan
Special Teams - Michigan
Coaching Staff - Michigan
Home Field Advantage - Michigan
We haven't played well enough to expect to win this game.
We have a good chance in this game. Their offense is not elite, but it’s competent now with Patterson at QB. They will probably try to run him against our undisciplined LB group. If we can shut down DPJ, Higdon and Patterson, they don’t have much else.
We really need the O to step up in this game. They will be tougher to score on than Sparty. Rahne hasn’t instilled any confidence in the fan base, and I think we will struggle mightily to move the ball.
Btw- where has our “best oline since before sanctions” been? This unit is marginal. Better than the Gaia and Dowery blocking each other days, but still nowhere near elite.
We really need the O to step up in this game. They will be tougher to score on than Sparty. Rahne hasn’t instilled any confidence in the fan base, and I think we will struggle mightily to move the ball.
Btw- where has our “best oline since before sanctions” been? This unit is marginal. Better than the Gaia and Dowery blocking each other days, but still nowhere near elite.
Michigan is nothing close to Iowa. Michigan D is better. They don’t beat them selves. Their QB play is better.
This offense is a “pass first, finesse” offense, doesnt matter who the players are. We need to grind out runs of “3rd and four” but we can’t.
We'd have to come out on fire and go up 27-0 or something like that. I don't see us being able to win otherwise
Need to play a complete game to win. Offense, defense, special teams. Have not done so yet.
The key in this game is to get ahead. Michigan doesn't have the style to come from behind. Whoever gets ahead early wins
We are 15 in total offense in the country and scUM is 55. Their “strength” is their running game which is 33 in the country while ours is 13. Where do you people come up with this stuff?
Now there you go again.......confusing the loyal and knowledgeable PSU fan base with the facts.
I'm almost sure of it. Trace is going to be sore. Bet, Tommy gets a lot more reps this week. I think this is a good thing.
We absolutely can’t leave the defense out on the field the way we have against Indy and Iowa.
100 plays versus Indy, 88 plays versus Iowa. That can’t continue for us to have a chance.
100 plays versus Indy, 88 plays versus Iowa. That can’t continue for us to have a chance.
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Not true. Ohio State's in good shape as well. Especially with Texas losing last night. The Pac XII isn't getting a team and the Big XII likely won't
The good thing is Michigan's offense still doesn't look too lethal. So even they dominated on D, it's feasible we'd still be in striking distance where a couple of chunk plays, a big return, a turnover, etc. could be a difference maker.
I give us a 1/3 chance to win. Would be more like 40% if I was confident we won't be shivved by the refs.
I give us a 1/3 chance to win. Would be more like 40% if I was confident we won't be shivved by the refs.
I think our offense is better, but I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt here. That said, why do you think their special teams and coaches are better?
Michigan is 29 in SP+ offense. PSU is 22. If you go by offensive efficiency per ESPN, Michigan is 13th somehow and PSU is 34.
A lot of the yard difference is because of the different styles of play, and Michigan having played better defenses on average. Of course, their defense also helps give the offense numerous opportunities since they force so many 3 and outs. Makes the Offense look better.
PSU has had a 4th quarter lead in every game since September ‘16, last trip to UM. I don’t expect a win necessarily but I certainly don’t see any reason to think we can’t play them close.
this is a problem for us. UMich is a better offense than Indy or Iowa, and we have not handled straight running from any team.
on DEFENSE UMich can contain our OFF, especially assuming TM is far less than 100%. TM mobility is key part of PSU OFF. not sure that JF will go with Tommy in this situation, even if it gives us the best chance to win.
ST will be a weakness for us, and our punting has helped us in the last two seasons, this season has been weakness.
Referines are not going to call UM OL for holding and will also let their DBs hold our WRs. may get calls after the game is in control for UM.
not as bad as 2017 but it is going to be something like 31-14 UM.
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