After seven weeks of college football, there is a contest between two Big Ten teams. These teams are the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Michigan Wolverines. Both teams started the season with championship aspirations but only Penn State is still undefeated. Penn State was ranked in the AP preseason top ten rankings and was expected to compete for a college football playoff spot under coach James Franklin. Penn State is currently the second ranked team in the college football rankings and will look to remain in playoff contention. Michigan, on the other hand, is currently ranked the 19th best team in college football due to an early loss to Michigan State. Both teams could use this signature win to improve their chances of reaching the playoffs this season.
The Penn State Nittany Lions are currently 6-0 and are looking to prove that they are indeed a top two team in all of college football. In five of their six games, Penn State has won by at least 19 points and have looked like an elite team in college football. However, in their fourth game of the season, Penn State was almost upset by conference rival Iowa and needed to game-winning touchdown pass with no time left in order to remain undefeated. Last year, Penn State got embarrassed by Michigan and lost by 39 points. This year, the Nittany Lions are seeking revenge in front of their home crowd. A combination that could be lethal against the Wolverines.
Penn State’s success is due to star running back Saquon Barkley. This season, Barkley already has over 600 yards rushing along with six rushing touchdowns. Barkley has also contributed heavily in the receiving game and has 29 catches for 395 yards along with two receiving touchdowns. Barkley is currently the frontrunner to win the Heisman trophy and it seems likely that Penn State will look for Barkley to carry them to a tough victory against Michigan.
Michigan’s season started with a ton of uncertainties. Michigan lacked experience in the majority of its defense and experts were concerned about how quickly these players would adapt to college level competition. Michigan’s defense responded and is currently ninth in all of college football in points allowed per game. At the moment, the biggest concern for the Wolverines is starting quarterback John O’Korn. Since becoming the starter, O’Korn has looked awful and has thrown one touchdown along with four interceptions. The only change Michigan has of completing the upset is if O’Korn can limit the turnovers.
As for my prediction, I have to side with Penn State. I think that Barkley will have a big second half and carry this team to a huge revenge win. Penn State is motivated for this contest and I expect them to limit Michigan’s ground attack and force O’Korn to beat them with his arm. I think Penn State wins by a touchdown.
Penn State vs. Michigan: Game Time, TV Channel & Viewing Details
Event: Penn State vs. Michigan
Date: Saturday, October 21, 2017
Start Time: 7:30 P.M. EST
Location: Beaver Stadium in University Park, PA
Broadcast: ABC
How to Watch Penn State vs. Michigan On Your Tablet Or Mobile Device
You can live stream Penn State vs. Michigan on the ABC app.
You can download the ABC app on Google Play, Amazon, iTunes, and the Windows Store. The ABC app is also available on the following devices: Apple TV, Roku, Android TV and Fire TV.
