Penn State has the upperhand this weekendBy Courtney Ratkowiak
Daily Sports Editor
Michigan rushing offense versus Penn State rushing defense
Penn State leads the Big Ten in rushing defense, allowing less than 90 yards per game. Defensive end Aaron Maybin is a force to be reckoned with for the Wolverines’ front line with a conference-high 12 tackles for loss this season.
Other than freshman running back Sam McGuffie, Michigan’s running backs have been nonexistent this year. The Wolverine's second leading rusher, redshirt freshman quarterback Steven Threet, has just 19 yards. And with running back Carlos Brown still out and running back Brandon Minor coming off a rib injury from last week, don’t expect either team’s statistics to drastically change.
Edge: Penn State
Michigan passing offense versus Penn State passing defense
Threet is still recovering from a bruised right elbow, which limited him in practice this week. If redshirt sophomore Nick Sheridan starts in place of Threet, the Michigan offense will probably rely even more on its running game. Even if Threet starts, he will likely be rusty without a full week of practice.
The Penn State secondary has grabbed a Big Ten leading 11 interceptions this year, and Sheridan has thrown two interceptions in each of his last two games. The opportunistic Nittany Lion defense will be able to take advantage of a few small Michigan mistakes.
Edge: Penn State
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