Blue White Illustrated

Michigan Pregame (10/09/2013)

Penn State Sports Magazine

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P R E G A M E R E P O R T P E N N 5 MICHIGAN FACTS O C T. 1 2 vs . M I C H I GA N E S P N GOING LONG COACH Brady Hoke (Ball State, '82) COACH'S RECORD 71-57 in 11 seasons as a head coach, including a 24-7 mark in two and half seasons at Michigan. 2013 RECORD 5-0 (1-0 Big Ten) – Ranked No. 16/18 RECORD VS. PENN STATE Michigan owns a 10-6 advantage over Penn State, although the Nittany Lions have won the past three games. PREVIOUS MEETING Evan Royster ran for 150 yards while Matt McGloin threw for 250 more. The duo combined for three touchdowns in Penn State's 41-31 victory on Oct. 30, 2010, in Beaver Stadium. P. M . , STAT E Michigan's offense, which is led by dual-threat QB Gardner, averages 5.6 plays per game that exceed 20 yards. THE GOOD GOAL LINE STAND Michigan's defense hasn't allowed a rushing touchdown in six consecutive games, dating back to last season's Outback Bowl. THE BAD OFFENSE OF ONE While QB Devin Gardner ranks second in the Big Ten for total offensive yards per game (270.8), the Wolverines' entire offense ranks ninth, averaging 397 yards per game. University of Michigan Athletics Media Relations Fall classic THE UGLY BUTTER BALL During its only road game, Michigan fumbled the ball four times, and it has averaged 2.3 fumbles over the past three games, the second-worst rate in the Big Ten. DID YOU KNOW? The last time Bill O'Brien's offense faced a Greg Mattison-coached defense was when the New England Patriots edged the Baltimore Ravens in overtime, 23-20, on Oct. 17, 2010. "He's an excellent football coach," O'Brien recalled of Mattison, Baltimore's defensive coordinator from 2008-10. Traditional powers Michigan and PSU to meet in White Out atmosphere TIM  OWEN | OW E N. T I M . B W I @ G M A I L . C O M Saturday's homecoming forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-60s. There will be some low-laying cloud cover, and by kickoff it should be another cool, grey October evening in central Pennsylvania – just the way Bill O'Brien likes it. For him, it's the perfect setting for Penn State's home Big Ten opener against Michigan. Although the Nittany Lions have won the previous three matchups, the Wolverines hold the O C T O B E R 9 , 2 0 1 3 1 advantage in the series, including a 5-3 mark in Beaver Stadium. This, however, will be O'Brien's first time facing Big Blue, and he's looking forward to writing his own chapter in the storied rivalry. "It would be crazy to think that this is just another game," he said. "I think this is a great opportunity for our team. Our kids are really excited. I love this time of year personally because the weather changes. It gets a little colder. It just reminds you of football – BL UEW H I T EON L I N E. COM

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