Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/888885
O T H E R M A T C H U P S THE LOWDOWNWith one notable exception, Penn State has made big improvements across the board on special teams. The Nittany Lions are second in the Big Ten in punt-return average (15.8 yards per attempt), and first in kickoff-return average (30.9). In addition, Blake Gillikin is tied for second in the conference in punting average at 44.2 yards per attempt. But that exception could loom large in a game between two evenly matched teams. Michi- gan PK Quinn Nordin, who was verbally committed to the Nittany Lions before flipping to the Wolverines, has made 14 of 16 field goal attempts, with a long kick of 55 yards. By contrast, Penn State's field goal unit has been a disappointment, as Tyler Davis has converted only 6 of 13 attempts. // EDGE Even SPECIAL TEAMS THE LOWDOWNThe White Out atmosphere can make things tough for opponents, but Michigan has fared pretty well in Beaver Stadium over the years. Of the 10 games they've played on the Lions' home field, the Wolverines have won six. That includes a 28-16 victory in their most recent visit in 2015. // EDGEEven THIS 'N' THAT THE LOWDOWN Jim Harbaugh has been catching a bit of flak lately for his 1-4 record against the Wolverines' two biggest rivals, Michigan State and Ohio State. But he's 2-0 against Penn State and 25-7 overall. James Franklin is coming off an 11-3 season and a Big Ten championship. This game could go a long way toward determining whether he'll get a shot at repeating. // EDGE Even COACHING STAFF O C T O B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 7 B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M 5 yards and one TD. McKeon is the Wolverines' second-leading receiver with 15 catches for 181 yards, while WR Kekoa Crawford has nine catches for 102 yards. Penn State ranks second in the Big Ten in pass defense and is tied with Wisconsin for the league lead in interceptions with nine. CB Amani Oruwariye has a team-high three inter- ceptions, while CB Grant Haley has two. Penn State ranks third in the Big Ten with 17 sacks. DE Shaka Toney leads the way with three, while Miller has 2.5. // KEY MATCHUP Cole will battle Toney and Miller, while McKeon will take on Allen. The Lions will also be looking to keep Perry under control. McKeon and Perry are O'Korn's go-to receivers. // EDGE Penn State