Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson (1) celebrates a first-down reception against Purdue in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Penn State wide receiver Dante Cephas (3) celebrates after his touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer
Finally, No. 2 Michigan gets a test.
The Wolverines (9-0) have stomped through the season, crushing opponents by an average of 34 points per game, the best margin in the country.
None of those opponents has been ranked in the AP Top 25, creating some questions about just how good Michigan is.
A trip to Happy Valley to face No. 9 Penn State on Saturday will provide an answer. A cloud of controversy will arrive with Michigan, which could race possible discipline from the Big Ten for a scouting/sign-stealing scheme.
Michigan-Penn State is one of two top-10 matchups in the most intriguing games of Week 11.
No. 2 Michigan (minus 5 1/2) at No. 9 Penn State
The Nittany Lions managed just one late touchdown in its loss at Ohio State with an offense that has struggled to pop big plays all year. Now here come the Wolverines, who humiliated Penn State last year by running for 418 yards in a 41-17 victory.
It’s also another potential narrative-changer for Nittany Lions coach James Franklin, who is 3-16 vs. top 10 teams and 1-13 vs. Ohio State and Michigan teams ranked in the top 10.
PICK: Michigan 24-17.
No. 10 Mississippi at No. 1 Georgia (minus 10 1/2)
A matchup of Nick Saban’s former offensive coordinator (Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin) and defensive coordinator (Georgia coach Kirby Smart) at Alabama. The Bulldogs run a defense similar to Alabama and the Rebels scored only 10 points against the Tide, for whatever that’s worth.
Ole Miss still has a chance to win the SEC West, but needs help….
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