Blue & White Roundtable :: MICHIGAN

No. 3 Penn State hosts Michigan for Homecoming. Y.F. Yurasko thought some questions were appropriate.

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Penn State is undefeated and ranked #3 in both major polls. Have they been tested yet?

ZN: If Penn State can go into Madison, in a night game, and demolish Wisconsin as they did, then yes, the test has been passed. I'm sure worried about going to Ohio State, and the final game hosting Michigan State. Even throw in there the trip to Iowa as one I'm slightly concerned about. But I really believe that this Penn State team is THAT GOOD, to come out undefeated. I don't think Penn State will be given any sort of "vote of confidence" from the media, like, for instance the one Texas got this week, or Alabama three weeks ago. Everyone's definition of "Test" seems to be, "can Penn State win a tough, close game?" Well, if Penn State does in fact blow out the rest
of its schedule, then will they pass this mythical "test?"

What unit or player is most responsible for the Nittany Lions success this season?

ZN: I should say Daryll Clark, but he's too obvious. I'll go with Aaron Maybin/Defensive Line. No team has been able to consistently run on Penn State, which forces the opposition to pass way more than they want to. Look at Wisconsin. They wanted, desperately, to run the ball, but couldn't. That allowed Penn State to rush only four and drop seven. If Penn State can end up doing that, there's no question about its defensive ability to win games.

How can Michigan beat Penn State on Saturday?

ZN: Turnovers. Force Daryll Clark to throw an interception. Rip the ball out of Evan Royster's hands. Block a kick. Michigan needs cheap points, and to get Penn State out of rhythm. They're not going to win on offense, and they won't win by stopping Penn State with defense. But they can for Penn State into mistakes. That will keep the crowd out of it (for a while, at least) and give Michigan a chance, however slim.

Bonus

Going up for Homecoming?

Nope. Want to, but... um... nope.

What do you think is going through Maurice Evans head these days?

"Sacks? Who needs freaking sacks? We could win the
national-freaking-championship!"

Where were you the last time Penn State beat Michigan?

Seventh Grade.

Will Joe Paterno be on the sidelines for any of the game?

I don't think he has to be, so... no.