Penn State @ Michigan preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 21, 2017 ) Michigan 13, Penn State 42

Fifth-ranked Michigan looks to take a big step towards its first conference title since 2004 when it hosts No.13 Penn State on Saturday. The Wolverines have won seven consecutive games, including a 21-7 victory against Michigan State on Oct. 20, to move into first place in the Big Ten's East Division. They hope to live up to their fifth-place ranking in the initial CFP poll of the season and continue their revenge tour by avenging a 42-13 loss to the Nittany Lions in 2017.

"I think the team will be motivated to play this week," Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters. "We're just attacking every week and striving for continuous improvement." Penn State is hoping to knock off a ranked opponent for the second time in as many games following a 30-24 win against No. 18 Iowa in Week 9. The Nittany Lions erased a 12-point deficit en route to their second straight win and look to keep their faint division title hopes alive by knocking off the Wolverines in Ann Arbor for the first time in nine years while exorcising the demons from a 49-10 loss at the Big House in 2016. "If you look at how we've played since that game we have made a lot of corrections and have gotten better," Penn State coach James Franklin told reporters. "Three years ago compared to now are two completely different teams …and a good portion of our players weren't even here when that game took place."

TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Michigan -11.5.

ABOUT PENN STATE (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten): Trace McSorley threw for 167 yards and a touchdown while adding 73 yards and a score on the ground in the win against Iowa despite sitting out three drives in the second quarter due to a sore knee. Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after recording nine tackles -- a career-high four TFLs -- and two sacks against the Hawkeyes. McSorley made the shortlist of 20 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award, which is given annually to the top player in college football.

ABOUT MICHIGAN (7-1, 5-0): Karan Higdon racked up 144 rushing yards in the win against Michigan State to go over 100 for the sixth consecutive game. Rashan Gary has missed the last three games with a shoulder problem and Harbaugh would neither confirm nor deny if the junior defensive end, who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft, would be ready to return in time for Saturday. Starting offensive lineman Juwann Bushell-Beatty suffered a knee injury in the late stages of the win against Michigan State and is questionable, while wide receiver Tarik Black is expected to have an expanded role after playing just two snaps in his first game since breaking his leg in fall camp.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Michigan has held seven of its eight opponents to its lowest yardage total of the season.

2. McSorley needs three passing yards to reach 9,000 for his career.

3. The Wolverines lead the nation in total defense (220 yards per game).

PREDICTION: Michigan 31, Penn State 16