Big Ten Opener this Weekend at Michigan
After three weeks enjoying some non-conference play, it is time for Penn State to begin facing its true tests of the season, Big Ten conference games. This weekend, Penn State heads to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan to their No. 4 ranked Wolverine rivals.
Penn State has a two-game winning streak in Big Ten openers, having defeated Rutgers the past two years. However, Michigan is a whole new ballgame, having been ranked in the top five since preseason and going 3-0 to start the season. Their most dangerous player is arguable Jabril Peppers, who is the current Big Ten Special Teams and Co-Defensive Player of the Week.
The Nittany Lions are prepared for the challenge. With players like Saquon Barkley (Coplay, Pa.), who has notched countless touchdowns already this season and quarterback Trace McSorley (Ashburn, Va.), who currently leads the Big Ten in passing yards with 828, Penn State should feel confident heading into this game.
Unfortunately, linebacker Nyeem Wartman-White (Philadelphia, Pa.) will be out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury. Former safety Koa Farmer (Lake View Terrace, Calif.) will be moved from safety to linebacker to improve on defensive depth.
Head Coach James Franklin spoke about moderation and staying calm against the Wolverines this weekend.
“For quarterbacks, making decisions with where to go with the football and then receiver’s mentality when the ball is in the air, nobody comes down with it but us. all those things,” said Franklin. “So we’ll keep talking about it and stressing it like we always do… You can’t go too far in either extreme with anything in life or it won’t have the type of effect you want it to.”
Linebacker and breakout star Brandon Smith (Winfield, Pa.) mirrored Franklin’s calm, cool, and collected approach to heading to Michigan this week.
“It’s just fun… that’s what the game’s all about,” said Smith. “I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve always liked going on the road… has a big stadium and a lot of passionate fans, so it’s going to be an awesome day.”
We couldn’t, agree more, Brandon! Nittany Nation can tune in at 3:30 p.m. for the kickoff to what is sure to be an epic Big Ten opener.
Penn State has a two-game winning streak in Big Ten openers, having defeated Rutgers the past two years. However, Michigan is a whole new ballgame, having been ranked in the top five since preseason and going 3-0 to start the season. Their most dangerous player is arguable Jabril Peppers, who is the current Big Ten Special Teams and Co-Defensive Player of the Week.
The Nittany Lions are prepared for the challenge. With players like Saquon Barkley (Coplay, Pa.), who has notched countless touchdowns already this season and quarterback Trace McSorley (Ashburn, Va.), who currently leads the Big Ten in passing yards with 828, Penn State should feel confident heading into this game.
Unfortunately, linebacker Nyeem Wartman-White (Philadelphia, Pa.) will be out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury. Former safety Koa Farmer (Lake View Terrace, Calif.) will be moved from safety to linebacker to improve on defensive depth.
Head Coach James Franklin spoke about moderation and staying calm against the Wolverines this weekend.
“For quarterbacks, making decisions with where to go with the football and then receiver’s mentality when the ball is in the air, nobody comes down with it but us.
Linebacker and breakout star Brandon Smith (Winfield, Pa.) mirrored Franklin’s calm, cool, and collected approach to heading to Michigan this week.
“It’s just fun… that’s what the game’s all about,” said Smith. “I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve always liked going on the road…
We couldn’t, agree more, Brandon! Nittany Nation can tune in at 3:30 p.m. for the kickoff to what is sure to be an epic Big Ten opener.
