Despite having a perfect record through five games for the second year in a row, No. 10 Penn State should temper expectations leading into Saturday's game against No. 5 Michigan. After finishing last season 7-6, it's obvious why.
Following a 5-0 start that saw Penn State rise to No. 4 in national rankings, the Nittany Lions dropped six of eight games, finishing 7-6.
— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) January 1, 2022
Penn State scored 30+ points only once (31 vs Maryland with a pick-six defensive TD) during the final nine games of this season.
This will be the first test for either team. Per Pro Football Focus, Penn State's strength of schedule ranks 85th out of 131 teams. Michigan's rank at 97th is even less impressive.
We're going to learn a lot about No. 10 Penn State and No. 5 Michigan Saturday...
— Emily Proud (@emily_proud) October 11, 2022
- Neither has faced a ranked team this season.
- Their opponents have a combined sub-.500 win %.
- Michigan has won 3 of its last 27 vs AP Top 10 teams.
- PSU has lost 9-straight to Top 10 teams.
Considering Penn State's collapse and Michigan's ascension a year ago, it's fair to have less faith in Penn State.
Penn State peaked fourth in the Associated Press poll before finishing unranked. Michigan began unranked and finished third.
Penn State has improved on offense. Last year, the team averaged 3.2 yards per rush. This year, they're averaging 4.9 yards. The team is averaging 34.4 points, up from 25 points.
Through five games last year, Penn State averaged 30 points. The team's drop in production coincided with the more difficult competition.
Going forward, Penn State's strength of schedule is 18th.
They will have their first opportunity to regain the trust of the college football world against Michigan (6-0, 3-0).
Michigan's run defense is stout, allowing 2.6 yards per attempt. The Wolverines are led by star running back Blake Corum. He has 735 rushing yards through six games and has emerged as an early contender for the Heisman Trophy.
The last 2 Heisman running backs after 6 games - compared to Blake Corum’s 6-game start in 2022 pic.twitter.com/NAtJfCrSbT
— James T. Yoder (@JamesYoder) October 8, 2022
Here are my Top Five Heisman Candidates heading into Week 7:
— RJ Young (@RJ_Young) October 11, 2022
1. Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud
2. Michigan RB Blake Corum
3. Georgia QB Stetson Bennett
4. Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker
5. USC QB Caleb Williams
Mike Hart on Blake Corum: “He should be a guy that’s talked about for the Doak Walker, for the Heisman. We move as Blake moves, and he’s a special player. I just love that kid.” (From news conference today)
— angelique (@chengelis) October 5, 2022
In last year's 21-17 loss, Penn State allowed 156 yards on 31 carries to running back Hassan Haskins.
With games against Michigan and No. 2 Ohio State the next month, it won't be long until the real Penn State (5-0, 2-0) reveals itself. The Nittany Lions will not only be battling two of college football's juggernauts. They'll also be confronting their own ghosts.
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