College Game Preview: Michigan Enters Another Happy Valley Whiteout

One of the Big Ten’s more exciting rivalries is the Michigan/Penn State game. Both highly successful, storied programs which have gone through their own ups and downs in the past couple seasons. Now, both teams are looking to make their own statements this weekend as the 2015 college football season comes to its close.

In recent years, the rivalry has grown immensely. While under the blinding white of the 107k strong Penn State crowd, the Nittany Lions stole a victory from the Wolverines in 2013. What is widely known as “The Drive”, freshman quarterback Christian Hackenberg led Penn State down the field with time running out and sent the game into overtime. Penn State would win in 4OT on a rushing touchdown which is embedded into the minds of PSU fans everywhere.

Once again, it will be a Whiteout crowd at Beaver Stadium, in which you will find me jumping up and down in the middle of the best student section in the country. The Whiteout brings so much passion and energy, creating havoc for opposing teams to manage. The plethora of offsides, extra timeouts, and miscommunication caused by the fans makes all the difference in a game with this much magnitude.

It’s impossible to describe a Penn State Whiteout. Hopefully I’ll have some solid video to share with you after the game, but even that will not do it justice. It sends a tingle down your spine, raises every hair on your neck, gives you the biggest adrenaline rush you will ever feel.

Both teams are coming in with a lot riding on them. Penn State is on the verge of having an undefeated record at home, something they have not done since 2008. It will be Senior Day, meaning guys such as Angelo Mangiro (OG), Kyle Carter (TE), Carl Nassib (DE), Anthony Zettel (DT) , Jordan Lucas DB), and Trevor Williams (CB) will be playing their last game in Beaver Stadium. It could also be the last time Penn State fans get to watch Christian Hackenberg don a Penn State jersey at home.

Michigan however is looking to revive their name in the College Football Playoffs conversation. They started the season kicking out Brady Hoke and welcoming in the “Michigan Man” Jim Harbaugh. Everyone expected a period of patient development, but we have seen rapid success unheard of in college football. While they aren’t in the playoff picture right now, Harbaugh’s crew is fighting to put the seasons mishaps behind them and battle forward in the Big Ten East.

Today, watch out for players such as Carl Nassib and Anthony Zettel on Penn State’s defensive line. The two seniors are playing well this season, Nassib far beyond any expectations. The former walk on leads the country in most defensive categories, including his outstanding 15.5 sacks. Zettel has been discussed as a possible late-first round pick and has shown why throughout the season.

A second is freshman running back Saquon Barkley. This kid is going to be the best running back in the Big Ten next year, I guarantee you that. If you haven’t seen him, you probably weren’t paying attention to SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays the past couple months.

For Michigan, I’m watching for cornerback Jourdan Lewis. He leads the country in passes broken up and pass deflections, because he plays very smart. He uses his hands better than most college corners in recent memory; always having his hands in the face of the receivers (legally) and getting his hands on the ball no matter what. Smart angles and decent closing speed make him a guy I’ll be keeping my eye on this spring.

This game is going to be a tough one for Penn State to pull out. Despite the energy and emotions surrounding the day, Michigan will ultimately pull this one out in Happy Valley by a final score of 24-17. A great effort by both sides, but ultimately the best team will win today. The fans will most likely say their goodbyes to Christian Hackenberg, but know that they and the program are in some very capable hands moving forward. Michigan will move into the top 10 of the polls and look to revive their chances of representing the Big Ten next month in the College Football Playoffs.