Michigan vs. Penn State Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can JJ McCarthy, Michigan Hold It Together?
No. 3 Michigan faces No. 11 Penn State this weekend. Can JJ McCarthy and Michigan hold it together? Jason Radowitz shares his Michigan vs. Penn State prediction and pick.
Jason Radowitz - November 6, 2023, 9:32 AM EST
5 minMichigan vs. Penn State Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can JJ McCarthy, Michigan Hold It Together?
I don't need to get into it. By now, everyone's heard about the Michigan cheating scandal. By the time you're reading this article, Jim Harbough might be suspended indefinitely or fired.
Nobody would be surprised at this point.
Either way, Michigan will battle their first real test of the year against Penn State. Putting all the scandals aside, this game is huge for the College Football playoffs and the Big Ten Championship game.
The whole world, other than Michigan fans, is rooting for Penn State. Can the Nittany Lions get the job done at home?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's Big Ten matchup between the Michigan Wolverines vs. Penn State Nittany Lions.
Michigan vs. Penn State Date, Start Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: November 11, 2023
- Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: FOX
Michigan vs. Penn State Odds
- Spread: Michigan -5 (-110), Penn State +5 (-110)
- Total Odds: Over 43.5 (-110), Under 43.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Michigan (-205), Penn State (+170)
Michigan vs. Penn State Injury Report
Michigan
Questionable: WR Karmello English (Undisclosed)
Out: WR Logan Forbes (Undisclosed), RB CJ Stokes (Undisclosed)
Penn State
Questionable: RB Tyler Holzworth (Undisclosed), DE Chop Robinson (Undisclosed)
Out: WR Jan Hahlert (Undisclosed), WR Harrison Wallace III (Arm)
Michigan vs. Penn State Prediction
The Michigan Wolverines will put their nine-game winning streak on the line against the Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday.
Michigan's best win was against Rutgers, per the College Football Playoff committee. Therefore, they'll finally be challenged against the Nittany Lions.
Regardless, Michigan's got one of the best offenses in the nation. The Wolverines have scored over 40 points per game while averaging 6.79 yards per play this season.
J.J. McCarthy is in the running for the Heisman. He's added 2,134 yards with 18 touchdowns and just three interceptions. However, he's still been inconsistent throughout the season. It'll be interesting to see how he plays against a top-tier defense for the first time this season.
Meanwhile, Blake Corum has earned 16 touchdowns on 126 attempts. He's one of the nation's best rushers and has gained 649 yards on the ground this season.
Roman Wilson's the best receiver on the squad, earning ten touchdowns on 36 receptions this year.
On the other hand, the defense has held teams to just 6.7 points per game. Opponents have averaged just 4.24 yards per play, with just over three yards per game on the ground.
With Penn State's offense averaging 5.21 yards per game, it's clear that Penn State won't have the easiest time scoring. Drew Allar has earned 20 passing touchdowns with only one interception. But the sophomore quarterback struggled against Ohio State in the Nittany Lions' only major game this season.
Defensively, Penn State has struggled to tackle. That's the only real blemish. However, Michigan hasn't missed tackles nearly as much. Michigan has the advantage defensively and is the more reliable quarterback in pressure situations.
Allar has had good games against top defenses. But we need to see more consistency and accuracy out of him.
I'll back Michigan at -5.5, knowing the Wolverines aren't distracted with what's going on. They beat Purdue 41-13 last weekend.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Pick
- PICK: Michigan -5.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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College Football Odds
