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Penn State · Week 7 · 2026 · Big Ten

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The Saturday readPenn State · Week 7 · 2026

Penn State at Michigan

Oct 17 · 3:30 p.m. ET · CBS

Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI

The lineGive the next down a chance.

01 / The plan

What matters Saturday

  1. 01

    Run-game identity

    Make a block repeatable

  2. 02

    Tight-end usage

    Keep a receiving answer

  3. 03

    Linebacker depth

    Follow the final report

02 / Desk read

The read

Finish the block before changing the call. Keep the receiver available, protect the ball through the throw and use the active defenders without assuming a return.

Run-game identity

In the field

AP Top 25 · Week 7

Unranked

1 of 12 opponents ranked.

Played · AP at kickoff1

  1. 19vs USCLoss: 23–31Oct 10

Upcoming opponents use this AP poll. Played opponents use their AP rank at kickoff. Poll published Oct 11. Checked Oct 15. Results checked Oct 14.

Postseason

Rankings start Nov 3

3 wins to go

Bowl raceThree more wins to reach six, with six games left.

Unranked in the AP poll, three losses. Outside the picture.

This week

Updated Oct 14

Keep the passing options available without abandoning the run blocking. At Michigan, watch the tight end’s release, the active linebacker rotation and the decision that protects the last possession.

  1. 01

    Tatsch is reported out for the rest of the seasonOpens in a new tab

    Tuesday evening’s report cites Steve Jones on the Penn State Coaches Show. Check the final Michigan availability report for the rest of the linebacker group; practice participation alone does not confirm a game role.

    StateCollege.com · Oct 13

  2. 02

    Mouser says the run game needs an identityOpens in a new tab

    The coordinator also wants Brahmer more involved after USC. Watch whether the blocking and the receiving options work together, without assuming a promised touch count.

    StateCollege.com · Oct 13

  3. 03

    Michigan plans a new punt returner for SaturdayOpens in a new tab

    Whittingham did not name the replacement in Monday’s update. Watch the coverage unit’s first assignment and finish the tackle after the catch.

    Maize n Brew · Oct 12

  4. 04

    The Michigan trip is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBSOpens in a new tab

    The current official game notes confirm the October 17 broadcast from Michigan Stadium. Set aside the afternoon and check the final lineup update before kickoff.

    Michigan Athletics · Oct 12

  5. 05

    A late turnover ended Penn State’s chance against USCOpens in a new tab

    The official recap identifies the giveaway that let USC run out the clock. Watch the decision with the football before a potential tying drive becomes the last possession.

    Penn State Athletics · Oct 10

03 / Road ahead

Next three

  1. at Michigan · Next

    3:30 p.m. ETCBS

  2. vs Purdue

    TBDTV TBD

  3. at Washington

    TBDTV TBD