The University of Michigan began the season as overwhelming Big Ten favorite and the No. 5 team in the country. Losses to Appalachian State and Oregon followed, and the Wolverines plummeted out of the polls entirely. However, a bounce-back 38-0 rout of Notre Dame last week has renewed hopes in Ann Arbor.
And remember: UM has yet to play a conference game. Well, that changes Saturday when unbeaten Penn State comes to town as a 2.5-point favorite on WagerWeb.com.
As No. 10 Penn State (3-0) sets it sights on a second conference title in three years, it will try to beat the Wolverines for the first time since a 29-17 win at Michigan Stadium on Nov. 16, 1996.
"A team like Michigan, who we haven't beaten in a long time, I am definitely anxious to get out there and play," receiver Deon Butler said. "We want to go out there and send a message. It would be nice to get that monkey off of our back."
The Nittany Lions haven't really been challenged yet, however, in beating Florida International, Notre Dame (31-10, for comparison's sake to Michigan's win over the Irish) and Buffalo.
Penn State's defense ranks eighth in the nation in giving up 217.7 yards per game.
"Penn State has had great teams down through the years, and this is an outstanding football team in every phase of the game," Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said. "It's truly one of the best Penn State defensive teams that I've seen."
The key to this football game could be the availability of Michigan quarterback Chad Henne. You know the Wolverines will get a big game from tailback Mike Hart - the senior Heisman candidate rushed for 187 yards and two touchdowns against Notre Dame in his most productive day since gaining 195 yards vs. Minnesota on Sept. 30, 2006.
Hart is averaging 110.0 yards in two games against the Nittany Lions and had 112 on 26 carries and a touchdown in Michigan's 17-10 road win over Penn State last year.
Henne, also a senior, is "day-to-day" with a sprained knee; freshman Ryan Mallett was 7-for-15 for 90 yards and three touchdowns in his first collegiate start last week against the Irish.
The bottom line: I like Michigan here, especially if Henne plays, which you can expect.
Bet on NCAA football college at WagerWeb Online Sportsbook
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