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After a much-needed bye week, Michigan will return to action on Saturday. The Wolverines used the break to reflect and implement changes that they hope will pay off over the final seven games of the season.
Michigan enters the matchup on a two-game losing streak, while Penn State comes to Ann Arbor reeling. The Nittany Lions have lost three consecutive games, including home defeats to Wisconsin and USC. Both teams are desperate for a win, but only one will get back in the win column.
Here are three keys for Michigan to secure the victory.
Establish the Run
Coming off the bye, it's clear Michigan isn't making major personnel changes, which is understandable. However, the Wolverines do need to make adjustments, and it appears they have scrapped some things that didn't work through five games. That starts with figuring out how to run the football. Running the ball has long been the heart and soul of the Wolverines, yet Michigan is somehow ranked No. 13 in the Big Ten, averaging 135 yards per game on the ground. If Michigan is ever going to figure it out, this is the time. Penn State is dealing with injuries and is terrible against the run. The Nittany Lions are ranked No. 17 in the Big Ten in stopping the run. Northwestern carved up Penn State's defense two weeks ago, rushing for over 400 yards. Penn State has the second-ranked passing defense in the Big Ten, behind Michigan, which means Bryce Underwood might not fare well. But if the Wolverines can run the ball effectively, that will open up the passing attack. It's time to get back to their roots and run downhill.
Make Plays on Special Teams
Aside from Trey Butkowski and Cam Brown, Michigan's special teams have been a disappointment under Kerry Coombs this season, especially in the punt return game on both sides. The big personnel change Michigan is prepared to make is at punt return. The Wolverines will no longer have Andrew Marsh as their returner, and someone new will be back there. It can't hurt, either. Michigan is ranked No. 123 in the nation, averaging just over four yards per return. Plus, Marsh has muffed a couple of punts this season. On the other side, Michigan's punt return unit has allowed some big plays, including a punt return for a touchdown against Iowa. The Nittany Lions average over 10 yards per punt return and could do damage against Michigan. If it's a close game, special teams could decide the outcome. The Wolverines need to tackle and make a few guys miss on returns.
Eliminate Turnovers and Create Them
At the halfway mark of the season, Michigan hasn't solved its turnover issues. While fans want to blame Jason Beck and Bryce Underwood, Kyle Whittingham says the biggest problem is the Wolverines' turnover woes and the defense's lack of takeaways. Michigan has turned the ball over in every game except against Oklahoma and has a -4 turnover margin. Penn State is third in the Big Ten with a +5 turnover margin, and the Nittany Lions could make the Wolverines pay if they continue to be reckless with the ball. Penn State has turned it over just four times this season, and its defense is very opportunistic. Whittingham said they really preached to Underwood this week to take care of the ball and make better decisions. Tommy Carr likely isn't going to supplant Underwood, but if Underwood continues to play recklessly, something will have to give. Playing clean football will help Michigan get over the hump and back in the win column.
Sign up for the Michigan Wolverines on SI newsletter for more free coverage. Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent's love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing. Follow @trentknoop.