Michigan football vs. Penn State predictions: The Wolverines' biggest test so far of 2022
Free Press sports writers predict the outcome of the Michigan Wolverines football game vs. Penn State on Saturday in Ann Arbor (noon, Fox). Both teams are unbeaten, with the Wolverines about a touchdown favorite.
Tony Garcia
After struggling to move the ball on the ground a season ago, the Nittany Lions found two young capable backs in Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. The Wolverines are also familiar with talented ball carriers, the question is if Blake Corum can continue his stellar season against the nation's No. 5 rushing defense. Joey Porter Jr. and Kalen King are two talented cornerbacks, which will likely make things tough on Ronnie Bell and Cornelius Johnson. It will be up to J.J McCarthy to win this game and a key third down conversion with his legs is enough to help Michigan pull away late. The pick: Michigan 23, Penn State 16.
MICHIGAN VS. PENN STATE:Scouting report, prediction
FAMILIAR VOICE:Joel Klatt has become the talk of Michigan. Fox analyst doesn't know why.
Carlos Monarrez
After surviving a scare at Indiana, the 6-0 Wolverines get their first true test against the 5-0, 10th-ranked Nittany Lions. Expect the offense to be powered once again by Corum and the run game, which should face a challenge against Penn State’s fifth-ranked run defense. But you can bet Corum and Co. will be spurred on by a pregame message from Mike Hart. The pick: Michigan 38, Penn State 28.
SHAWN WINDSOR:J.J. McCarthy finally gets his chance to show why he's the starting QB
RAINER SABIN:Santa (Ono) is coming to town and here's why Michigan football is 'super excited'
Rainer Sabin
In their first test against a complete team, Michigan will be challenged on both sides. But the Wolverines should have the firepower on offense to knock back Penn State and the strength to hold the line on defense. With the crowd behind them, they should move to 7-0. The pick: Michigan 28, Penn State 23.
BIG MAN ON CAMPUS:Michigan analyst Fred Jackson to fill in for Mike Hart; Michael Phelps honorary captain
Jeff Seidel
Penn State is going to slow down Michigan’s running game, putting this one on McCarthy. The Wolverines will have a hard time scoring in the red zone but they will get enough big plays, including a few critical ones from McCarthy’s legs, to pull out the come-from-behind victory. The pick: Michigan 27, Penn State 24.
THE BIG ONE:Michigan enters a 'big three' matchup vs. Penn State, likely out for 'revenge'
Shawn Windsor
The Nittany Lions can run. But they usually can. They've got a solid quarterback and the best speed and athleticism that the Wolverines will have seen so far. With the Big Ten the way it is this season it's hard to say what kind of test this truly is, so let's say this: Penn State is the most talented team U-M has faced and will want payback from a year ago. The Wolverines still have a little too much and McCarthy, who was good against Indiana, shows even more. The pick: Michigan 26, Penn State 23.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan football vs. Penn State picks: U-M's biggest test so far
