Penn State at Michigan
Date: October 30, 2010
Time: Kickoff TBA
Location: Beaver Stadium
Last meeting: 35-10 Penn State, 2009
All-time: 10-5, Michigan
2009 record: 5-7 (1-7)
The one October haunted house for Penn State has been the Big House. It’s been a home of broken dreams for the Lions and their fans in this series. Depending how Penn State’s does in its travels to Alabama and Iowa, there is the potential that Joe Paterno will be on 399 career victories heading into this game. Buy Penn State v Michigan Tickets
Penn State v Michigan Rivalry
This has been very much a one sided rivalry since Penn State joined the Big Ten With Michigan at one time winning 8 straight and 10 of 14 games.
But the tied has turned with Penn State Penn State thumping Michigan each of the last two seasons. Last season the Nittany Lions went into the Big House and won 35-10 for their first victory in Ann Arbor since 1996. Can Penn State win three in a row against Michigan? Penn State v Michigan Tickets
In 2002, No. 10 Penn State blew a fourth-quarter lead to No. 11 Michigan and eventually lost in overtime, 27-24. Just three years later, the only blemish on the Lions’ 11-1 season was a loss at Michigan, when Chad Henne threw a game-winning touchdown with one second left in the game.
Finally, the Lions were able to break their recent struggles in Ann Arbor last season with a 35-10 dismantling of the downtrodden Michigan program. It was the first Penn State win at Michigan since 1996.
This is a pivotal season for Wolverines coach Rich Rodriguez, who has a combined three Big Ten wins during his two-year tenure. Sophomore quarterback Tate Forcier, who was celebrated during the Wolverines’ 4-0 start, could be on a short leash and given the hook in favor of Denard Robinson if the offense struggles early on.
The Wolverines’ game against the Lions could be the deciding factor in whether Rodriguez comes back for a fourth season. The game is the final in a three-game stretch against rival Michigan State, Iowa and finally at the Lions. A 0-3 record during those games could spell the end for the Wolverines, who also have a road trip to Ohio State to end the year.
The secondary was the problem spot for the Wolverines last season, and now they lose their top pass rusher (Brandon Graham). If Lions quarterback Kevin Newsome or Matt McGloin can keep the defense honest with play action to open up running lanes for Royster, the Lions should have some offensive success.
On the other side of the ball, the Penn State defense should be able to make the Wolverines one-dimensional on offense as the Wolverines lose both of their top running backs. Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Bradley will force Forcier or Robinson to beat the Lions, and whether either can remains to be seen.
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