Michigan Football enters Week 7 searching for answers after back-to-back losses to Iowa and Minnesota dropped the Wolverines to 3-2 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play. After an encouraging start to the season that included an upset victory over Oklahoma, Kyle Whittingham’s squad has struggled to find any consistency offensively, managing just 180 total yards in its most recent loss to the Golden Gophers.
Despite those struggles, Michigan’s defense has remained one of the nation’s best, ranking third nationally in total defense at just 241.4 yards allowed per game. The offense, meanwhile, continues to search for its identity, with Whittingham reaffirming his commitment to Bryce Underwood at quarterback and Jason Beck as the team’s offensive play-caller coming out of the bye week.
Penn State finds itself in a similarly disappointing position. The Nittany Lions enter Saturday at 3-3 overall and winless in conference play after three consecutive losses, most recently falling to USC, 31-23. Under first-year head coach Matt Campbell, Penn State has struggled to meet preseason expectations, particularly on defense, where the Nittany Lions are allowing nearly 166 rushing yards per game. That could provide a much-needed opportunity for Michigan to finally establish its ground game after averaging just 135 rushing yards per contest through the first five games.
With both programs desperate to turn their seasons around, this matchup carries considerably more weight than either side likely anticipated entering the year. For Michigan, a win would provide much-needed momentum before another tough conference matchup against Indiana next weekend.
Game Info
- Teams: Michigan Wolverines (3-2) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (3-3)
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
- Location: Michigan Stadium — Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Television: CBS
- Stream: Paramount+
- Spread: Michigan -6.5
Today’s question: Can Michigan finally get its run game going?
Michigan’s rush attack has been one of the biggest disappointments of the season, but Saturday presents an opportunity to change that narrative. The Nittany Lions have struggled to stop the run, ranking 17th in the Big Ten in rushing yards allowed per game, and the Wolverines have had an extra week to address their offensive shortcomings.
Whether it’s Jordan Marshall, Savion Hiter or Underwood, Michigan needs to establish some consistency on the ground if it hopes to avoid a third consecutive conference loss.