PSU, Michigan on similar college football paths
Penn State (3-3) at Michigan (3-2), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. CBS
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Some nitpicking while waiting for Penn State to stop the bleeding:
There are striking similarities between the Nittany Lions and Wolverines in what appears to be a blueblood battle in name only.
Both are now coached by Big 12 transplants, Matt Campbell (Iowa State) and Kyle Whittingham (Utah), who are struggling in their first seasons.
Neither has played consistent offensive football.
Against conference opponents, Penn State ranks No. 15 (of 18) in Big Ten scoring offense at 18.7 points per game while Michigan is even worse, ranking No. 17 at 16.5.
The Wolverines' red-zone offense is dead last with just two touchdowns (in two Big Ten games) and Penn State isn't much better, too often settling for field goals.
The over-under is a mere 42.5, which means oddsmakers are looking for a 21-20 type game - or 35-6.
Neither team will be headed to the College Football Playoff this year, and maybe not anytime soon, but there's still some intrigue.
Michigan's offense has been as big of a concern as Penn State's defense so which of those units gets the upper hand will likely decide Saturday's outcome.
Nitpicking ...
– Penn State tight end Andrew Rappleyea made some interesting comments after the loss to USC on how this year's team, a blend of Lion holdovers and Iowa State newcomers, is sticking together better than the Nits of 2025.
"We've been in this situation," Rappleyea said. "I was here last year. The guys pointed fingers. The guys turned on each other. It's all about how you're going to respond and I promise you, that will not happen because we have a great coach leading us in that locker room."
The Lions' 0-3 start in the Big Ten has stirred many questions about Campbell throughout the Nittany Nation, but Rapp made it clear the players are believers.
"He's a coach you want to play for," he said. "Coach Campbell -- he's a football guy. He loves us, he wants the best for us."
– Campbell and Whittingham have coached against each other once when Iowa State defeated Utah 31-28 in 2024.
– Keep an eye on how much of the Lions' personnel changes. Last week, Marcus Neal was benched because the staff was concerned about his pass coverage. Neal was the highest rated defender of the Iowa State transfers and yet, he was also at the center of a PSU run defense that was gouged at Northwestern.
– If this losing streak continues, the most logical time to expect a lineup shakeup is after the open date leading into an Oct. 31 against Purdue. That includes more snaps for backup quarterback Alex Manske.
– Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser not only regretted the lack of targets for tight end Ben Brahmer last week but also that third-team running back Quinton Martin didn't touch the ball. Martin has been the odd man out of a tailback rotation that couldn't rotate three.
– Michigan's highly-paid quarterback, sophomore Bryce Underwood (a reported $10-12 million at $3 million per year), is a strong runner but a bad passer. Don't expect the Big House fans to be too patient with him. The backup is Tommy Carr, grandson of Lloyd Carr and brother of Notre Dame QB CJ Carr.
– Rocco Becht needs to play like the most experienced quarterback in college football today.
– It's clear the PSU staff prefers Carson Hansen as the top RB. Hanson carried 14 times (for just 28 yards) vs. USC, caught a pass and was about to attempt a halfback option before the Trojans sniffed that out. Interestingly, despite faster alternatives, Hanson was also back with Zay Robinson on kickoffs.
– After this game, Michigan still hosts Indiana and UCLA and must visit Oregon and Ohio State.
– Due to injury risk, Thursday's announcement of the College Football Playoff's expansion to 24 teams, effective next year, is an even worse decision than the watered-down NCAA Basketball Tournament, which will include 76 teams in 2027.
– A five-minute video of Matt Campbell addressing a roomful of potential recruits has gone viral. Click around to find this worthwhile listen that showcases Campbell and the admirable qualities he prioritizes.
Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com.