Blue White Illustrated

Michigan Pregame

Penn State Sports Magazine

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He, too, has received much criticism a?er Morris was allowed to go back in. That's in addition to the scrutiny he's under for Michigan's dismal 2-4 start, and an even worse 4-10 mark that dates back to their loss in Happy Valley a year ago. Hoke said he understands why stu- dents are frustrated, and he highlighted the importance of having a full rowdy house for this historic night. "The environment that we have here, there's no question [that] it amps your players up because of that environment, and we're excited about that," he said. "We've got great fans, and they [have] high expectations, as they should, and we feel the same way." While the recent news cycle has been far from good for Michigan, things got even worse Monday when Hoke an- nounced that starting running back Der- rick Green, a former five-star recruit, will miss the rest of the season due to a broken clavicle. Green was hurt at the end of Michigan's 26-24 loss to Rutgers last week. He is the team leader with 471 rushing yards and was averaging 5.74 yards per carry. Said James Franklin, "You always hate to see a young man get injured and not be able to fulfill his season that he has worked so hard for. But we are going to prepare for the next guy [who is] going to take on that role." That mostly will be sophomore De'Veon Smith. He is the Wolverines' second-leading rusher, averaging 47 yards per game, and Hoke is confident that he'll be able to handle the increased workload. "I know he carried the ball in high school 40-some times in a game vs. their league rival," Hoke said. "I know it's high school, but it's still a guy carrying it. With how many snaps he gets during the course of a week, how we practice and everything, I think he's more than capa- ble of it." In addition to the running backs, quar- terback Devin Gardner rushes for nearly 22 yards per game, and he's shown throughout his career that he's capable of being the Wolverines' most dangerous rushing threat. It's expected that he'll see most of the QB reps Saturday, although there's a possibility that Morris will be healthy enough to see action. He also is dealing with an ankle injury. Asked about Morris's status at his weekly news conference, Hoke offered a noncommittal status update on the sophomore. "He's practicing," he said. Hoke then turned his attention to Gardner, whom Morris replaced in the fourth quarter of Michigan's 26-10 home loss to Utah. Morris got the start the fol- lowing week vs. Minnesota, during which he suffered the concussion that has become the source of so much ten- sion in Ann Arbor. Out of necessity, it appears, Gardner is again the guy. And despite being replaced as starter no more than two weeks ago, Hoke said he has seen Gardner respond in a mature fashion. "I just think he keeps growing as a per- son and evolving as quarterback," Hoke said. "From that standpoint, I couldn't be more pleased. To see how he worked last week and how he supported Shane all throughout that week when he wasn't starting [was good]." In Gardner's first game back as starter last week, the Wolverines traveled to Rutgers, where they fell, 26-24, but he ran for two touchdowns, including a 19- yarder. Linebacker Mike Hull said the defense must figure out a way to contain those plays from Gardner, which could prove difficult since Michigan also has what he called "probably the best offensive line that we've faced so this year." What also could prove difficult is the scenario with which Michigan is faced – student protests, a head coach on the hot seat, a unique quarterback contro- versy and a subpar record. The list goes on, and with their backs against the wall, Hull is expecting anything from the Wolverines. "I think it will definitely be a chal- lenge," he said. "Whenever a team is in the position that they're in, they're will- ing to do anything to get back on track. I really do think it's going to be a great game, and I think Michigan deserves more credit than they've been getting. They're a good team and they run the football well, and it's hard to beat teams like that. So we're definitely going to have to bring our A game." NATE BAUER RECORD 4-1 Even with all its losses this season, Michigan is still Michigan. The ath- letes haven't just disappeared. That means a tough matchup for Penn State on the road under the lights. I give the Wolverines a slight edge for their de- fensive line. MICHIGAN 14, PENN STATE 13 PHIL GROSZ RECORD 4-1 This game looks like it will be a defen- sive struggle. Penn State's offense, de- spite being one-dimensional, should be able to outscore a turnover-prone Michigan offense that is 14th in the Big Ten in turnover margin. Turnovers will decide the outcome on Saturday. PENN STATE 24, MICHIGAN 17 MATT HERB RECORD 3-2 Michigan is reeling, but so was North- western. Just about every game is going to be a dogfight (or worse) until the Lions are able to field some semblance of a running game. The off-week prob- ably helped, but this is not a quick fix. MICHIGAN 20, PENN STATE 13 TIM OWEN RECORD 4-1 All is not well at Michigan. That's been made clear. But that doesn't change the fact that there's an abundance of talent along its defensive line. With their backs against the wall, the Wolverines outlast PSU. MICHIGAN 21, PENN STATE 20 RYAN SNYDER RECORD 4-1 Brady Hoke and his team are desperate for a win. They also have a little extra motivation after last year's shootout at Beaver Stadium. Both teams will be sloppy, but I think another slow start will doom Penn State in the end. MICHIGAN 24, PENN STATE 20 O C T O B E R 8 , 2 0 1 4 B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M 2 BWI'S FORECAST

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