PENN STATE

ANN ARBOR – Michigan’s hockey team was on the verge of allowing three important points in the Big Ten standings slip away against last-place Penn State on Saturday. Michigan was searching for a spark to get back in the game, and it got it late in the second period. “I don’t think there was ever any panic,” Michigan head coach Mel Pearson said about the team’s two-goal deficit. “This is a huge statement game for us,” said forward Nolan Moyle, who scored the team’s first goal Saturday. I think this is a huge win for us, and the last couple weekends have been huge for us.

ANN ARBOR – Michigan head Mel Pearson said his team relied too heavily on goalie Erik Portillo in Friday’s 3-2 win over Penn State. The sophomore made a career-high 44 saves as Michigan rallied from a two-goal deficit to beat Penn State 4-3 at Yost Ice Arena, completing the two-game weekend series sweep. But Michigan got one back with 1:15 to play in the second period as sophomore Matty Beniers, the 2021 No. “It’s hard to beat a team four times in a year,” head coach Mel Pearson said. “It’s hard enough to beat a team twice in a year, let alone four times.

Michigan football has a new schedule for 2022, and ... well ... it’s advantageous. The Wolverines will play eight home games next fall, including key matchups with Michigan State, Penn State and Nebraska. Meanwhile, their only difficult road matchups come at Iowa and Ohio State. The latest “Wolverine Confidential” podcast from MLive dives into that very topic, along with an update on Jim Harbaugh, the men’s basketball team and tidbits on Michigan hockey. Listen to the latest podcast via the embedded player below (click here if you can’t see it), or search for us on your preferred podcasting platform.

Prof. Oliver Baker tussled with an anti-vaxx student during a pro-vaccine rally but was cleared by a court in November. Termination proceedings have still recently begun.

Check out Michigan State football’s revised 2022 scheduleThe Big Ten on Wednesday announced new schedules for the 2022 season with changes made due to revisions in 2020. Michigan State – like almost every other program in the nation – hasn’t had much success against Ohio State in recent years. Michigan State was previously scheduled to play at Penn State on Oct. 29 but the game was moved to Nov. 26 in State College. Michigan State pulled out a 30-27 win in the snow on Nov. 27 to snap a two-game skid in the series. Final grades for Michigan State football’s 2021 seasonPenn State remains a challenge but caps what should be a manageable November schedule, following a trip to Illinois and hosting Rutgers and Indiana.

Michigan’s hockey team is back in the top five of the U.S. College Hockey Online rankings after a weekend sweep over defending national champion UMass. The team opened the second half of their season last weekend with 4-1 and 4-2 victories over No. The wins vaulted Michigan into the top five for the first time since the Dec. 13 USCHO poll. The Wolverines benefitted from having five key players back in the lineup after they missed the team’s previous game Dec. 29 against Michigan Tech. They are the top three scorers on the team and all rank in the top-10 nationally in scoring.

Michigan State’s last-ranked pass defense can’t relax in the Peach Bowl just because Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett isn’t playing.

Penn State’ starting quarterback Sean Clifford is returning to the school in 2022, but his top backup from this season is moving on. Redshirt sophomore Ta’Quan Roberson announced via social media on Tuesday that he is transferring to the University of Connecticut to continue his football career. The dual-threat QB from New Jersey entered the transfer portal on Dec. 13. Penn State also signed 5-star QB Drew Allar as part of its 2022 recruiting class, further clouding his chances of earning meaningful playing time. Roberson ends his Penn State career 11 of 29 for 85 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions.

Michigan State didn’t play this past week, but that didn’t stop the Spartans from moving up in the national rankings. Michigan State jumped one spot to No. 11 in Monday’s Associated Press top-25 poll, remaining the only ranked team in the state. 9 to 23 allowed Michigan State to move up. Outside of Purdue and Michigan State, two other Big Ten teams appear in the top-25: Ohio State (14) and Wisconsin (24).

EAST LANSING – Penn State had just made a five-point run to tie the game midway through the first half on Saturday when Michigan State point guard Tyson Walker started ripping the Nittany Lions’ hearts out. That basket forced Penn State coach Micah Shrewsberry to call a momentum-stopping timeout just 40 seconds after his team had tied the game. Walker finished with 10 points and nine assists in Michigan State’s Saturday win over Penn State, one helper shy of his first career double-double. Against Minnesota on Wednesday, Walker had his biggest game in a Michigan State uniform when he dropped 15 points in the Spartans’ Big Ten opener. The result has been a Michigan State team that has rediscovered its fast break as a critical ingredient in its 9-2 start.

Gabe Brown scored 15 points and Marcus Bingham Jr. had 12 points and 13 rebounds to lead No. 19 Michigan State to an 80-64 victory over Penn State.

EAST LANSING – Even at the end of a condensed and difficult season-opening schedule, Michigan State still sprinted to the finish. 19 Spartans used a strong fast break early to dispatch Penn State, 80-64, on Saturday afternoon at the Breslin Center. Fueled by its fast break, Michigan State finished the half on a 19-6 scoring spurt to take a 13-point halftime lead. Penn State scored zero. After Penn State cut its deficit to 10 points early in the half, the Spartans rattled off nine straight.

19 Michigan State (8-2, 1-0) vs. Penn State (5-4, 0-2)When: 2 p.m.Where: Breslin Center, East LansingLatest line: Michigan State -10HOW TO WATCHTV Network: Big Ten NetworkStreaming optionsWatch & DVR College Basketball Live | fuboTV: Stream live TV with ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN & top channels without cable. Fox Sports Go | Hulu + Live TV | Sling | YouTube TV | fubo (free trial)Major Cable ProvidersComcast: Channel 65/256(HD) | StreamingSpectrum: Channel 45/778(HD) | StreamingDish: Channel 410 | StreamingDIRECTV: Channel 610 | Streaming* Channel numbers listed are for Michigan subscribers and may change by geographic area. • Michigan State is 25-2 against Penn State in games played in East Lansing. One of those two losses came in 2020, when the Spartans lost, 75-70, to the Nittany Lions. PRE-GAME LINKSMichigan State sees progress in Joey Hauser after slow startTyson Walker’s aggression, road toughness stand out for Michigan State vs. Minnesota

Virginia Tech has hired Penn State defensive coordinator and former Bud Foster disciple Brent Pry its next head coach.

Virginia Tech hired Penn State defensive coordinator and former Bud Foster disciple Brent Pry as its next head coach. The school made the announcement Tuesday, saying Pry will be introduced Thursday. Pry has been with Penn State since 2014, first as co-defensive coordinator before becoming the defensive coordinator in 2016.

Clinging to a three-point lead in the fourth quarter, Michigan State faced fourth-and-15 from the Penn State 20-yard line. The score put Michigan State up 10 with five minutes to go and, because Penn State eventually answered, the points were needed as the No. For a Michigan State offense that was one of the worst in the nation in recent years, the ability to make crucial plays when needed – which has happened more times than not this year – stands out. They’ve made plenty of them this season and the latest round has Michigan State on the cusp of a potential New Year’s Six bowl game. Related Michigan State football stories:Michigan State lands commitment from Wisconsin RB transfer Jalen BergerMichigan State DB Emmanuel Flowers enters transfer portalMichigan State notes: Senior day to remember and improved health for a bowl gameWhat Mel Tucker said about long-term contract extensionMichigan State DB Michael Dowell enters transfer portal

It was Monday afternoon when Mel Tucker was asked about the possibility of signing a contract extension. The Michigan State coach brushed aside the topic and said he was only focused on preparing for the regular-season finale against Penn State. Two days later, the university on Wednesday night officially announced a 10-year, $95 million extension with Tucker. But, following Saturday’s 30-27 win against Penn State, Tucker continued to say that wasn’t where his attention was. While Tucker on Tuesday said he wasn’t focused on a new contract, Penn State that day announced it signed James Franklin to a 10-year, $75 million extension.

Michigan State rebounded from a blowout loss and moved up in one national poll. Michigan State battles through injury, illness for season-ending winMichigan State was No. Michigan State suffered a 56-7 defeat at Ohio State two weeks ago before returning home and battling through injuries and illness to reclaim the Land Grand Trophy from Penn State. Related Michigan State football stories:What’s next for Kenneth Walker III? A Heisman ceremony, a bowl game, NFL all possibilitiesOverheard outside Michigan State’s locker room: ‘The snow was actually a lot of fun’Michigan State downs Penn State for 10th win of seasonKey players out for Michigan State vs. Penn State but Jayden Reed, Kenneth Walker III in uniform

A week after falling by 49 points at Ohio State, Michigan State ended the regular season as a winner. The Spartans dispatched Penn State, 30-27, at home on Saturday in their regular-season finale. Here are some notable quotes from Mel Tucker and Michigan State players:

EAST LANSING – Michigan State ended last Saturday losers by 49 points on the scoreboard and with its leading rusher and leading wide receiver both on the sidelines due to injury. Through it all, Spartans coach Mel Tucker had a blunt message for players heading into their regular-season finale against Penn State. “Find a way to get it done, do it as a team.”Come Saturday, Michigan State did just that. With several key players out and many playing injured or ill, the Spartans rallied for a 30-27 win over Penn State in their regular-season finale. The fact that the Spartans’ final win came in those conditions made it even more rewarding.

Michigan State lost all hope for a College Football Playoff berth and a Big Ten championship during a non-competitive outing against Ohio State on Saturday.

Note: Refresh this page throughout the Michigan State-Penn State game to see the latest updatesEAST LANSING – A regular season that started with so much uncertainty, with 40-plus newcomers and a second-year coaching staff, ends here: with Michigan State going for its 10th regular-season win and an undefeated home slate on senior day in a year that’s produced plenty of unexpected developments. The Spartans are coming off of a humbling 49-point loss last week at Ohio State and have injuries at key positions, including wide receiver, defensive back and running back. But it will try to pull together one more strong performance to get to double-digit wins and potentially qualify for a New Year’s Six bowl game. Oh, and bring the majestic Land Grand Trophy back to East Lansing. Follow along throughout the afternoon for live updates.

12 Michigan State (9-2, 6-2) vs. Penn State (7-4, 4-4)When: 3:36 p.m.Where: Spartan Stadium, East LansingTwitter: Follow Matt WenzelLive updates: Join the MLive conversation at 2:30 p.m.Latest line: Penn State -1HOW TO WATCHTV Network: ABC (Sean McDonough, Todd Blackledge, Molly McGrath)Streaming optionsWatch & DVR College Football Live | fuboTV: Stream live TV with ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN & top channels without cable. WatchESPN | Hulu + Live TV | Sling | YouTube TVMajor Cable ProvidersComcast: Channel 3/231(HD) | StreamingSpectrum: Channel 7/782(HD) | StreamingDish: Channel 53 | StreamingDIRECTV: Channel 53 | Streaming* Channel numbers listed are for Michigan subscribers and may change by geographic area. 83IN CASE YOU MISSED ITFive must-reads before kickoff:* Mel Tucker has a few more dollars in his pocket and Michigan State hopes it will have him as coach for a long time to come. * Michigan State’s injury issues have piled up: it could be without its top two wide receivers, its left tackle, and others on Saturday. * Tucker took a rare moment to address outside expectations with his team this week following the team’s 49-point loss to Ohio State.

The game at the Big House between Michigan and Ohio State looks to be mainly dry, but some snow will be moving in closer to the end of the game around 4 p.m.

It’s rivalry week across the country and in the state of Michigan, with Michigan playing Ohio State and Michigan State and Penn State battling for the Land Grant Trophy. Harbaugh’s team is much better equipped to play with Ohio State this year, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to win. The Buckeyes led 49-0 at halftime, and went on to win 56-7.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comPENN STATE at MICHIGAN STATEWenzel’s pick: Kenneth Walker III is nursing an ankle injury and Michigan State may be without its top two receivers in Jayden Reed and Jalen Nailor. Then there’s Penn State, which ranks fourth in the nation in scoring defense and has a veteran quarterback in Sean Clifford and Jahan Dotson, one of the nation’s top receivers, who will be difficult for Michigan State to cover. Penn State 24, Michigan State 17MLive staff picks

No. 12 Michigan State hosts Penn State on Saturday.

Penn State football coach James Franklin has agreed to a new 10-year contract that will guarantee him at least $75 million through 2031.

It’s had to believe but we have reached the final week of the college football season. Michigan vs. Ohio State will get the hype this weekend, but the Land Grant Trophy is up for grabs this weekend as Michigan State hosts Penn State at Spartan Stadium. In episode 57 of MLive’s Spartan Confidential podcast, reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State’s blowout loss to Ohio State. How can Michigan State close the gap on Ohio State? Also, a preview of the Spartans’ season finale against Penn State and how it could impact the postseason.

The stakes are high for this year's version of The Game.

EAST LANSING – Despite one of the worst losses in program history, the Spartans still opened as a favorite a day later for their regular-season finale. The Spartans are a one-point favorite against Penn State, according to an opening line on Draftkings. That line came soon after the Spartans lost at Ohio State, 56-7, in one of the most lopsided results in program history. Stroud threw for six touchdown passes in the first half alone, the most by any opposing quarterback against a Spartans defense. Now, Michigan State will play its regular-season finale against Penn State, a team that started the season 5-0 but is 2-4 since.

State College police believe the 19-year-old’s death was accidental, but her mother told a New Jersey publication she still has plenty of questions.

While Michigan is thinking about it's upcoming showdown with Ohio State the Wolverines can ill afford to overlook this weekend's matchup versus Maryland.

The numbers are in: Michigan’s win over Penn State on Saturday was the most-watched college football game of the weekend. ESPN says the noon ET kickoff from State College, Pa., drew 5.942 million viewers on ABC, the highest number across any of the major networks. The viewership numbers come just two weeks after Michigan played Michigan State in what turned out to be the most-watched college football game of the season, averaging more than 9.2 million viewers on FOX. BROYLES AWARD: Michigan offensive coordinator and receivers coach Josh Gattis was one of 58 nominees for this year’s Broyles Award, handed out to the nation’s top assistant coach. Gattis, 37, is in his third season at Michigan, which boasts a top-30 offense and rushing attack that ranks 13th nationally.

ANN ARBOR – Michigan’s championship hopes are still alive after beating Penn State last week. “Every team in the Big Ten is a respectable team,” Michigan defensive tackle Christopher Hinton said. Similar to Saturday’s game against Penn State, Michigan fell behind in the fourth quarter at Nebraska on Oct. 9 but rallied late for a 32-29 win. They didn’t overlook Northwestern ahead of the Michigan State matchup and dominated the Wildcats 33-7. After losing to the Spartans on Oct. 30, they have bounced back with wins over Indiana and Penn State.

Michigan snapped a two-game losing streak to Penn State in Happy Valley on Saturday, and it needed a late touchdown and a defensive stand to do it. With the 21-17 victory, the Wolverines’ Big Ten title and College Football Playoff berth hopes are still alive with two games remaining. MLive’s Ryan Zuke, Aaron McMann and Andrew Kahn discuss what stood out from Saturday’s game and what it means moving forward on the latest episode of Wolverine Confidential. Listen to this week’s episode via the embedded player below (click here if you can’t see it) or search for us on your preferred podcasting platform. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Michigan State’s regular season finale will be a late-afternoon kickoff. Mel Tucker has Michigan State heading to Ohio State in position he promisedMichigan State still controls its own destiny in the race for a Big Ten title and plays at No. 5 Ohio State (9-1, 7-0) on Saturday with first place in the East Division on the line. Penn State has lost four of its last five games – all by single digits – and hosts Rutgers on Saturday. The all-time series between Michigan State and Penn State is tied at 17-17-1.

An Ohio State win and a Michigan win at 5-5 Maryland means the Buckeyes and Wolverines will meet in Ann Arbor the following week with everything on the line.

It’s been more than a decade since Michigan last played in the granddaddy of ‘em all bowl games. And yet, with the Wolverines locked into a 9-1 record and two games left on the schedule, the Rose Bowl is quickly becoming a real possibility for bowl sites. Jerry Palm, CBS Sports’ chief bowl prognosticator, gave Michigan the slot over Michigan State “since there does not seem to be any reason to believe the head-to-head result will suddenly start mattering to the CFP Selection Committee.”Last week, Michigan jumped MSU for the No. ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach both think Michigan State will end up at the Rose Bowl, moving Michigan down a slot in the pecking order. But they’re both split on where Harbaugh’s team ends up: Bonagura thinks the Peach Bowl (Atlanta) against Wake Forest, while Schlabach projects the Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, Ariz.) against Notre Dame.

Michigan recovered after a slow start to beat Penn State 21-17 on Saturday. PFF grades every player on every play in multiple facets of the game, such as passing, rushing, receiving, pass blocking, run defense, etc. With that in mind, here are Michigan snap counts from Saturday’s win and key takeaways from PFF’s grades. His 86.6 grade in the passing game led the Wolverines as he had a team-high five catches for 45 yards. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Michigan is leaving Penn State with a 21-17 victory, thanks to a late touchdown and key defensive stand. James Franklin explains Penn State’s fake field goal vs. Michigan: ‘I’d make the call again’ (Sporting News)Michigan Flips the Script in Critical Win Over Penn State: ‘If That’s Not Grit, What Is?’ (Sports Illustrated)No. 23 Penn State falls short in upset bid of No. 9 Michigan, 21-17: game balls, turning points and more (PennLive)Michigan vs. Penn State score, takeaways: No. 23 Penn State 21-17 (Associated Press)Jim Harbaugh, Michigan are living on the edge, but winning time vs. Penn State was different (The Athletic)

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – On the first play of Michigan’s game-winning drive Saturday at Penn State, Hassan Haskins received the hand-off on a read-option and made a few quick cuts before bursting through a hole. The senior running back was met by two Penn State defenders near the first-down marker, but he continued to bulldoze ahead with the defenders draped over him, turning a potential 9-yard gain into a 17-yard pickup. Haskins had been Michigan’s best offensive player in the game, and the Wolverines continued to feed him. After Michigan’s defense forced a turnover on downs on Penn State’s ensuing drive, Haskins iced it for the Wolverines (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten). After catching a screen pass, he turned up field and stiff-armed a Penn State defender, breaking free for a 15-yard gain on third-and-13.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Just when you thought Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo couldn’t do any more, they turn in *that* kind of performance. In total, the Wolverines compiled a season-high seven sacks; three of them by Hutchinson, who set a new single-game career high, and two from Ojabo. “Those were havoc plays by the defense,” said Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, who himself lost track of the count. We made a lot of plays.”More: Overheard outside the locker room: No flinching vs. Penn StateWhile Michigan’s defense lived in the backfield on Saturday, it opened the door to big plays. “He knew we were coming,” said Hutchinson, named one of four finalists for the Lombardi Award for nation’s best lineman.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – For the second time in three weeks, Michigan surrendered a lead in the second half against a quality opponent on the road. This time, the ninth-ranked Wolverines responded, scoring a late touchdown and coming up with a key defensive stop to beat No. 23 Penn State 21-17 Saturday in University Park.

He was sore and wanted to test it out on the field first before deciding whether to gut it out. All scored the go-ahead touchdown with 3:29 left in Saturday’s 21-17 win over Penn State, flipping momentum and keeping the Wolverines’ Big Ten hopes alive. The Nittany Lions went from trailing by eight points to up three, thanks to a 31-yard field goal with 5:55 to play, catching Michigan off guard. But nothing went for a big gain, prompting Penn State linebacker Ellis Brooks, described by All as “No. McNamara said afterward that Penn State had shown man-coverage in big-game situations like these in the past and praised Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis for recognizing it.

After getting outgained 145 yards to 15 in the first quarter, the Wolverines (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten) settled in in the second quarter. Hutchinson and Ojabo are tied for the Big Ten lead with 10 sacks each after they recorded three and two, respectively, Saturday. They both forced a fumble, and Hutchinson also caused a holding penalty on a Penn State tackle. Junior ColsonThe true freshman inside linebacker led the team in tackles for a second straight game, this time finishing with 12. The Wolverines allowed 15 plays of 10 or more yards, with most coming in the first half.

Michigan football overcame a late blown lead against Penn State on Saturday in Happy Valley, bouncing back to earn a massive victory and keep its Big Ten title hopes alive.

Michigan came prepared and, more importantly, ready to play Penn State amid cold, blustery conditions at Beaver Stadium. The game-winning score came moments after Penn State appeared to seize momentum, too, turning a McNamara fumble into a go-ahead field goal with 5:55 to play. Both went unblocked during the game and became difficult to contain, suffocating Clifford and the Penn State offense at times. The Nittany Lions mustered just 109 yards rushing, led by Keyvone Lee’s 20 carries for 88 yards. Penn State mustered just one touchdown in four red-zone trips.

Michigan is back on the road this week, traveling to face No. 23 Penn State at noon Saturday. Continue to refresh this page for the latest updates from State College. PSU jumped out to a 5-0 start this season, including wins over Wisconsin and Auburn, but it has lost three of its past four. However, quarterback Sean Clifford appears to be getting healthier after exiting the Iowa game on Oct. 9 with an upper-body injury.

Michigan will try to keep its Big Ten title and College Football Playoff hopes alive when it visits Penn State on Saturday. They’ve lost two straight to Penn State, including a 27-17 defeat last year in Ann Arbor, and have lost their last two meetings in Happy Valley as well, last winning in 2015. Penn State has one of the best wide receivers in Jahan Dotson, who’s coming off a monster performance in a 31-14 win at Maryland. Penn State is 4-1 in Beaver Stadium after dropping its most recent home game, 20-18 to Illinois in nine overtimes on Oct. 23. 23 Penn State Nittany Lions (6-3, 3-3)When: 12:06 p.m.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — When it comes to quarterbacks in the Big Ten, Sean Clifford might be the savviest. In two games against Michigan, Clifford has completed better than 59 percent of his passes for 345 yards and three touchdowns. Nothing spectacular, but Penn State won both games. So that’s somebody that we’ve got to handle as well.”In addition to Clifford, Penn State boasts one of the Big Ten’s best receivers. Michigan defensive lineman Donovan Jeter has been part of the last two meetings with Penn State.

The last time Michigan traveled to Penn State in 2019, receiver Ronnie Bell dropped a potential game-tying touchdown pass in the end zone on fourth down late in the fourth quarter. The Nittany Lions were able to run out the clock for a 28-21 win, ending the Wolverines’ Big Ten title hopes.

19 Penn State 5-2 on Thursday in State College to improve 9-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play, moving ahead of Minnesota for first place. 2 overall pick in July by the Seattle Kraken, remains red-hot, scoring twice on the power play. He has six goals on his past three games and now leads the team with eight this season. Michigan, the only college team ever with seven first-round picks on its roster, leads the nation with 46 goals this season. The two teams conclude the two-game series at 7 p.m. Friday in State College.

Ninth-ranked Michigan heads to No. 23 Penn State for a key Big Ten game Saturday.

GAME OF THE WEEK

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — There was no update on Blake Corum’s status Monday. No update on any injured Michigan player ahead of another pivotal road game against Penn State. Instead, head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters that his ninth-ranked Wolverines, a banged up bunch after a 29-7 win over Indiana, are working toward “refreshing” and “trying to have good days.”

ANN ARBOR – Michigan players don’t need to be reminded of what’s at stake during the team’s final three games of the regular season. A difficult final stretch begins Saturday against Penn State in State College, where they have lost the past two meetings and five of the past six. If Michigan wins out, the only way it doesn’t win the Big Ten East is if Michigan State, who’s final three opponents are the same as the Wolverines’, also goes 3-0. But Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan teams have been in this spot before, only to stumble down the stretch. “That’s really just how we feel.”Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Unlike Michigan’s past two trips to State College, this Saturday’s game at Penn State won’t be a night game -- kickoff is scheduled for 12:06 p.m. 23 Penn State (6-3, 3-3). Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and a pair of players, offensive lineman Trevor Keegan and defensive lineman Taylor Upshaw, spoke about embracing that challenge during Monday’s press conference. Harbaugh also spoke about the notion of “saving” plays or schemes for important games later in the season. The players addressed bouncing back from the first loss of the season, at Michigan State, to beat Indiana this past Saturday, as well as the importance of the final three weeks of the regular season: at Penn State, at Maryland, and at home against Ohio State.

Michigan football kept clinging to its slim Big Ten title and playoff hopes with a win over Indiana this weekend, but now it’s time for the program to do something it hasn’t done in a long time: finish the season strong.

After returning to prime time against Indiana, the Michigan football team will return to an afternoon start time next weekend. The ninth-ranked Wolverines will play Penn State at noon ET on Saturday, Nov. 13, a game televised on ABC, it was announced by the Big Ten late Saturday. The game will be played at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pa., a 106,572-seat venue that has not been friendly to Jim Harbaugh’s team in recent years. Saturday marks the sixth time this season Michigan has played in the noon time slot. Kickoff time and a TV designation for Michigan’s game at Maryland the following Saturday, Nov. 20, has not yet been announced.

STATE COLLEGE — Penn State announced a modified game theme for its matchup against Michigan on Nov. 13. The Nittany Lions will now host Michigan in a “Helmet Stripe Game” at Beaver Stadium, the school announced Wednesday. It is, of course, supposed to look like Penn State helmets. Earlier this year, Penn State’s game against Michigan was announced as a “student-section Whiteout.”Penn State defeated Auburn, 28-20, on Sept. 18 in a Whiteout. Penn State has won three of its last four over Michigan, including a 27-17 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor last year.

The spotlight shines on the Big Ten this week with three games sure to affect the division races and possibly the College Football Playoff.

The spotlight shines on the Big Ten this week with three games sure to effect the division races and possibly the College Football Playoff.

Alabama inched up to No. 3 in The Associated Press college football Sunday behind top-ranked Georgia and No. 2 Cincinnati. No. 5 Ohio State and No. 6 Michigan both held their spots. In a week with no games matching ranked teams, five ranked teams lost, including two in the top 10.

The Wildcats have gone loss, win, loss, win, loss, win through six games and it’s easy to see that trend continuing with a trip to Ann Arbor this Saturday. IowaLW: 2; overall: 6-1; Big Ten: 3-1; next: at Wisconsin (Oct. 30)Don’t pencil the Hawkeyes into the Big Ten title game just yet. They’ve got a showdown with Michigan State on Oct. 30 (noon kickoff) but are insisting they’re not looking past Northwestern. 6 Michigan (Oct. 30)The Spartans, however, have started looking towards Michigan, as they are off this week. Ohio StateLW: 2; overall: 5-1; Big Ten: 3-0; next: at IndianaThe Buckeyes were off on Saturday and haven’t been challenged in weeks.

Alabama and Georgia remain the top two teams in The Associated Press college football poll after a week in which nine ranked teams lost.

Clemson and Ohio State have slipped to the back of the top 10 in The Associated Press college football poll and Penn State has jumped four spots to No. 6.

Some Southeastern Conference defenses are flexing their muscles after 2020 being a defensive coordinator’s nightmare.

Hunter Johnson watched from the sideline as Northwestern won seven of nine games last season, including a Citrus Bowl triumph.

Some lawmakers are trying to stop 144 American cities from losing their designations as “metropolitan areas.”.

Former Penn State president Graham Spanier has reported to jail early to begin serving his sentence for child endangerment in a case stemming from the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal.

The first round of the NFL draft was dominated by the Southeastern Conference and national champion Alabama.

(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)ST. LOUIS – Iowa won its first NCAA wrestling team title since 2010, and Hawkeyes star Spencer Lee took his third individual title Saturday night competing on a badly injured knee. Iowa went into the finals already having secured its 24th team championship following strong performances in the medal round. Since winning its first team title in 1975, Iowa had not gone so long without winning another. 3 David Carr of Iowa State won 4-0 over fourth-seeded Jesse Dellavecchia, the first finalist in Rider program history. 174: Third-seeded Carter Starocci of Penn State won 3-1 in overtime against No.

Cities formerly designated as metros with core populations between 50,000 and 100,000 people would be changed to micropolitan" statistical areas instead. Officials in some of the affected cities worry that the change could have adverse implications for federal funding and economic development. Cities formerly designated as metros with core populations between 50,000 and 100,000 people, like Bismarck and Sheboygan, would be changed to “micropolitan" statistical areas instead. “Back in the 1950s, the population it took to create a metro area is different than it would be to create a metro area in 2020," said Rob Santos, president of the American Statistical Association. AdSome demographers aren't sold on the idea of changing the definition of a metro area.

7 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft? But ESPN’s Mel Kiper has been publishing mock draft predictions for *checks notes* more than 30 years, and he’s suggesting the Lions could trade down. In Kiper’s latest mock draft, the Lions trade the No. And then the Lions take Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons. Here’s what Kiper says:With the Lions moving down in my mock trade with the 49ers, that takes them out of the quarterback race but gives them extra draft capital.

This did not go how Penn State expected. Sometimes you have a bad tweet, and other times, you have a tweet so hilariously awful that the entire internet bands together to mock you. The latest victim: Penn State football. C’mon Penn State football intern, this is TWITTER, for heaven’s sake! It’s nice that we can all come together and roast Penn State once in awhile.

The Michigan Wolverines won the game 62-58. ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan basketball’s postponed game at Penn State has been rescheduled for Wednesday (Jan. 27), the Big Ten announced. Michigan and Penn State were supposed to meet in Happy Valley on Jan. 9, but the game was postponed due to positive COVID-19 tests within the Nittany Lions’ program. Instead, they will play at Penn State on Wednesday night and then host Indiana the following Saturday (Jan. 30) in Ann Arbor. In their first meeting this season, Michigan survived a scare from Penn State, winning 62-58 after trailing in the final minutes at the Crisler Center.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan basketball’s game against Penn State on Saturday has been postponed due to positive COVID-19 tests within the Penn State program. Penn State men’s basketball has paused all team-related activities due to positive COVID-19 results among its Tier 1 personnel. Due to the pause, the Nittany Lions’ home games against Michigan (Jan. 9) and Rutgers (Jan. 12) have been postponed. https://t.co/x9vHy0jo4x — Penn State Men’s Basketball (@PennStateMBB) January 6, 2021“The institutions will work with the Big Ten Conference to identify rescheduling options,” Penn State said in a release. In the first meeting against Penn State this season, Michigan survived, 62-58, after trailing in the final minutes at the Crisler Center.

FILE - This Jan. 2, 2017, file pool photo, shows an aerial view of the empty Rose Bowl stadium before to the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game between Southern California and Penn State in Pasadena, Calif. The Rose Bowl asked the state for an exception to the restriction, but was denied twice, including earlier this week. Hancock said it had not yet been determined if the semifinal at AT&T Stadium in Arlington would still be called the Rose Bowl. The first Rose Bowl was played Jan. 1, 1902. The last time the Rose Bowl game was played outside Pasadena, California, was 1942.

Today’s study is the brand new Michigan State football uniform that they plan to wear this weekend at Penn State (3:30 p.m. Saturday -- ESPN). The Michigan State Football twitter handle unveiled the uniform in a video Thursday morning -- please review closely:Now answer the question:I say no -- no this is not trash, far from it. Of course, we love to see “Gruff Sparty” in on the action -- he’s never been on the football helmet, according to SpartanJerseys.com. Over the decades, Michigan State’s football helmets have featured different variations of the Spartan logo, the block “S” logo, player numbers, or nothing but a stripe. The Spartans actually wore winged helmets wayyyy back in the day.

(The Tournament of Roses via AP, Pool, File)PASADENA, Calif. – No spectators will be allowed at the Rose Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal on Jan. 1 because of COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the state, county and city of Pasadena. “We continue to work closely with health department officials and the Rose Bowl Stadium to provide the safest possible environment for our game participants.”The Rose Bowl is hosting one of the playoff semifinals; the other is at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. The Fiesta Bowl also announced Thursday that no fans would be allowed at the Jan. 2 game in Glendale, Arizona, though the immediate families of players will be able to attend. The first Rose Bowl was played on Jan. 1, 1902, beginning the tradition of postseason college football games. ___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan football has canceled this weekend’s game against Maryland due to COVID-19 concerns within the Wolverines’ program. Saturday’s game against Maryland will not be rescheduled, U of M announced. It was the final home game of the season for the Wolverines. Last week, Ohio State was forced to cancel its game against Illinois due to positive tests. A trip to Ohio State is scheduled for next week, and then the schedule includes one final game against a team from the Big Ten West.

ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Marching Band performed the first digital show in its 123-year history on Saturday ahead of the Wolverines’ football game against Penn State. The band performed a variety of songs, including “Help!” by The Beatles, “Don’t Back Down” by Bruce Springsteen and “Amazing Grace.”Familiar voice and longtime Michigan Marching Band announcer Carl Grapentine appears throughout the performance. “I want to join the Michigan Marching band in thanking members of our medical community,” said Howard in the video. From musicians to flag team members, to cheerleaders and baton twirlers, the video features scores of the band’s members performing from their dorm rooms, permanent residences, front yards and on the band’s practicing grounds at Elbel Field. And it wouldn’t be a Michigan Band show if the drum major didn’t do that famous backbend on the field at the Big House.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan football is pausing all team activities Monday due to possible COVID-19 concerns, the university announced. UPDATE: Michigan football cancels Maryland game due to COVID-19 concerns“Out of caution, we are holding all team activities virtually today,” athletic department spokesperson David Ablauf said. The Wolverines made it through six of their eight regular season games without any widespread COVID-19 outbreaks. Just two days after hosting Penn State at Michigan Stadium, the team announced all activities are being held virtually. It’s unclear if the team will have to miss any games, or how long the shutdown will last.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Penn State running back Journey Brown says he has a heart condition that is forcing him to give up football. Penn State coach James Franklin told reporters Brown’s condition was not COVID-19 related, but it was discovered in September during “a routine COVID test.”“It’s heartbreaking,” Franklin told reporters. Neither Penn State nor Brown have indicated whether he tested positive for COVID-19, but the Big Ten requires cardiac screening and testing of those athletes who do before they can return to competition. Brown was Penn State’s leading rusher in 2019 and was expected to be one of the best backs in the country in 2020. Penn State is off to an 0-3 start and heading to Nebraska on Saturday.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan football has had some truly heartbreaking losses under Jim Harbaugh the last few years, including last weekend’s shocking letdown against Michigan State. Ohio State has won handily each of the last three seasons, and Michigan hasn’t come close to the playoff. Michigan outplayed Michigan State and had victory all but wrapped up. Ohio State in 2018Final score: 62-39Quarterback Shea Patterson throws a pass against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium on Nov. 24, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. Heck, nobody in the Michigan State fan base expected a win after what happened the previous week against Rutgers.

Dominique Long #9 of the Michigan State Spartans misses a tackle on Joe Milton #5 of the Michigan Wolverines during the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (2020 Getty Images)The other -- a once-impressive victory against ranked Minnesota -- lost the rest of its luster Friday night. By the way, that same Maryland team lost to Northwestern by 40 points the previous week. Maybe it’s the fact that Michigan hasn’t lost to Indiana since 1987, but that won’t matter when the two teams line up this weekend. Michigan couldn’t handle the praise that came with beating up on Minnesota, and that led to a crushing loss.

2 Alabama heading into a huge ACC matchup at fourth-ranked Notre Dame this week. The rest of the top five remained the same, with Ohio State at No. 1 on their ballots had Clemson third behind Ohio State. Penn State had the fourth-longest active streak behind Alabama (205), Ohio State (138) and Clemson (94). 4 Notre Dame: Another “biggest game of the year” — until the next one.

(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)Indiana jumped into The Associated Press college football poll Sunday after pulling off the weekend’s most dramatic upset and Ohio State moved up to No. Ohio State leaped two spots after easily dispatching Nebraska as the Big Ten Conference kicked off its pandemic-delayed and abbreviated season. When the Big Ten postponed its fall season, Ohio State and the rest of the conference's teams became ineligible for inclusion in the rankings. Now that all the voters are including Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan, et al., those teams got an extra boost this week. 3 Ohio State at No.

Pat Chambers resigned as Penn State's basketball coach Wednesday following an internal investigation by the school into allegations of inappropriate conduct. Chambers, 49, had been at Penn State for nine years and was coming off the team’s best season under his directions. Chambers was in the middle of a four-year contract with Penn State that runs through 2021-22 season. He was 148-150 with Penn State, including an NIT championship in 2018. “Coach Chambers has made many contributions to the program and to this university for which we are grateful,” Barbour said.

14 Oregon returned to The Associated Press college football poll on Sunday, weeks before they start playing, creating a Top 25 as unusual as this season. Further complicating voters' task this week: Two top-10 teams lost to unranked teams at home Saturday. POLL POINTSWhere did the rest of the Big Ten and Pac-12 come back in the poll compared with where they were in the preseason? The only big move up for the previously ranked teams was Miami, which jumped four spots to No. That helped clear some space for re-entering Big Ten and Pac-12 teams.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Here is the new eight-game schedule for Michigan State football as the Big Ten prepares to start its 2020 season in late October. Oct. 24: vs. RutgersOct. 31: at MichiganNov. 7: at IowaNov. 14: vs. IndianaNov. 21: at MarylandNov. 28: vs. NorthwesternDec. 5: vs. Ohio StateDec. 12: at Penn StateThe Spartans are scheduled to begin the season Oct. 24 against Rutgers. Michigan State will play all six of its fellow East Division foes: Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Indiana, Maryland and Rutgers. Iowa and Northwestern will be the two crossover games. The Big Ten announced earlier this week that fall football was being reinstated, about a month after the league’s presidents voted to push the season to the spring.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Here is the new eight-game schedule for Michigan football as the Big Ten prepares to start its 2020 season in late October. Oct. 24: at MinnesotaOct. 31: vs. Michigan StateNov. 7: at IndianaNov. 14: vs. WisconsinNov. 21: at RutgersNov. 28: vs. Penn StateDec. 5: vs. MarylandDec. 12: at Ohio StateThe Wolverines are scheduled to begin the season Oct. 24 at Minnesota, which won 11 games last season. Michigan will play all six of its fellow East Division foes: Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State, Indiana, Maryland and Rutgers. Michigan’s 12-game schedule was originally cut down to 10 conference games, but that schedule lasted just six days before the conference postponed the season. Jim Harbaugh was among the most outspoken coaches in the country, publicly disagreeing with the decision to postpone football.

Parsons and Oregon tackle Penei Sewell are among 11 players selected who are not slated to play this fall. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons and Oregon tackle Penei Sewell are among 11 players selected to The Associated Press preseason All-America first team who are not slated to play this fall. Tackles x-Penei Sewell, junior, Oregon; Alex Leatherwood, senior, Alabama. Linebackers y-Micah Parsons, junior, Penn State; x-Hamilcar Rashed Jr., senior, Oregon State; Dylan Moses, senior, Alabama. Safeties x-Jevon Holland, junior, Oregon; Trevon Moehrig, junior, TCU.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan revealed its 10-game schedule for the 2020 season, including five high-profile matchups and an additional Big Ten game. Here’s the full schedule:Sept. 5: vs. PurdueSept. 12: at MinnesotaSept. 19: vs. Penn StateSept. 26: at RutgersOct. 3: vs. Michigan StateOct. 17: at IndianaOct. 24: at Ohio StateOct. 31: vs. WisconsinNov. 7: vs. MarylandNov. 21: at NorthwesternClick here to view Michigan State’s full 2020 football schedule. The Ohio State game, which is always reserved for the final week of the season, has been moved to the middle of October. Michigan was scheduled to play at Michigan State and home against Indiana this season, but those venues have been flipped. That could mean Michigan will now have one home game and one road game against main rivals Michigan State and Ohio State in future seasons, instead of having both at home or both on the road.

The Big Ten released its 10-game conference-only football schedule beginning as early as Labor Day weekend but cautioned there is no certainty games will be played. The Big Ten had announced a month ago it would shorten the season and eliminate nonconference games because of the coronavirus pandemic. Under the revised schedule, teams will play conference opponents they originally were set to meet and will have one additional cross-division game. The regular season starts the weekend of Sept. 5 and runs through Nov. 21. The conference will allow teams to begin preseason practices Friday, or earlier if a team's season begins before Sept. 5.

The 2020 Michigan State Spartans football schedule includes road games at Maryland, Penn State and in Ann Arbor. Heres the full schedule:Sept. 5 -- vs. Minnesota in East LansingSept. 12 -- vs. Maryland at College ParkSept. 19 -- vs. Northwestern in East LansingSept. 26 -- vs. Penn State at State CollegeOct. 3 -- vs. Michigan at Ann ArborOct. 17 -- vs. Ohio State in East LansingOct. 24 -- vs. Rutgers in East LansingOct. 31 -- vs. Iowa at Iowa CityNov. 7 -- vs. Indiana in East LansingNov. 21 -- vs. Nebraska at LincolnThe Oct. 3 meeting in Ann Arbor originally was scheduled to be in East Lansing. Michigan States 2020 non conference games all were canceled when the Big Ten announced it would only allow teams to play against conference opponents. Related: Michigan football announces 10-game schedule for 2020 season

This would require the Citrus Bowl to select Michigan over either Penn State or Wisconsin. That means the Citrus Bowl has only hosted three Big Ten schools under the current agreement: Minnesota, Michigan and Penn State. If Michigan has fallen this far, it means Wisconsin is either in the Rose Bowl or Citrus Bowl. If Penn State and Wisconsin take the Rose Bowl and Citrus Bowl, Minnesota takes the Outback Bowl and Iowa takes the Holiday Bowl, Michigan could conceivably fall to this point. A Michigan vs. Alabama battle in the Citrus Bowl would certainly be the most high-profile non-New Year’s Six game.

Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins (2) celebrates his touchdown against Penn State with teammates during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. 2 Ohio State gained some ground on No. Ohio State is coming off a 28-17 victory over Penn State that dropped the Nittany Lions three spots to No. 1 LSU and become the first team in the history of the AP poll, which dates to 1936, to face a No. 2 Ohio State at No.

But the reality is that despite U-Ms resurgence since halftime of the Penn State game, the season will be a disappointment if the Wolverines cant upset their top rival, Ohio State, on Nov. 30. Notre Dame has also proven to be an above average team and Michigan State has become a train wreck, so there is less luster on those wins. Wayne State breaks 35-year losing streak against Grand ValleyNearly four decades of startling domination ended in Allendale on Saturday. The only team from Michigan to make the 28-team field was Ferris State, last years runner-up that went 10-0 during the regular season. Notable prep streak snappedThe state high school playoffs are now in the semifinal round, but there will already be one thing missing this year.

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) warms up before an NCAA football game against LSU, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa , Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt))Alabama is fifth in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, behind LSU, Ohio State, Clemson and Georgia, which took over the fourth spot in the selection committee's second top 25. LSU replaced Ohio State as No. 3 after two teams ahead of the Tigers lost for the first time last week, including Alabama. The Crimson Tide fell to 46-41 to LSU and dropped two spots. Georgia moved up two spots to give the Southeastern Conference two of the top four for the second straight week.