At the time of this writing, it’s assumed that Jim Harbaugh will be on the sidelines for Michigan football against No. 10 Penn State, but with the Big Ten contemplating action, it’s not a surety. Would it change the calculus if it’s Sherrone Moore on the sideline overseeing the entire operation? Or another coach? The Wolverines aren’t hoping to find out.
The game starts at noon EST and can be seen on Fox.
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Last week, the Wolverines won emphatically, completely dominating Purdue, 41-13, even though it wasn’t the sharpest performance by the maize and blue.
It will be a closer point spread this week with it being a top-10 matchup, Michigan’s first ranked opponent of the year. Here’s what you need to know:
- Point spread: Michigan -4.5
- Money line: Michigan -210, Penn State +170
- Over-under: 45.5
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Michigan Wolverines injury report (last week):
Michigan
OUT
- Davis Warren
- C.J. Stokes
- Keshaun Harris
questionable
- Amorion Walker
- D.J. Waller
- Kalel Mullings
Penn State
Out
- Harrison Wallace III
- Mehki Flowers 1
- Elliot Washington II
- Chop Robinson
- Smith Vilbert
Questionable
- Amin Vanover
Advice and prediction
Michigan football hasn’t played anybody, everyone says, and right now, the Wolverines have their backs against the wall given all of the off-field distractions. The maize and blue are theoretically better on both sides of the ball in terms of the trenches. J.J. McCarthy is better than Drew Allar. But the big question mark surrounds Jim Harbaugh with the game ensuing — will he be there? We’re betting yes, whether it’s because there’s no suspension or that Michigan gets an injunction. Penn State has looked pedestrian at times this year while the Wolverines have not. Michigan is just the better team.
We’re taking Michigan in the spread and the over.
Prediction: Michigan 37, Penn State 11
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Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.