On paper I think Penn State and Michigan match up really well. Two solid defenses, strong run games, and okay passing games on both sides of the line. Michigan is likely a touch worse than they were last year, while I think Penn State is a touch better. If this game were either neutral or at Beaver Stadium, I’d pencil the Lions in for the win. But the game is in Ann Arbor, and while the Big House isn’t as difficult a place to play as Columbus, it will still be a hostile crowd.
After the two teams settle down, the two defenses do their part.