Michigan’s remaining schedule is so demanding that there aren’t many trap games left on the docket. Tonight’s tilt in State College (9:00 p.m., ESPN2) feels like a win that the Wolverines need even if it wouldn’t be celebrated as one of the best of the season. Penn State is 9-10 (4-7 Big Ten) and has lost four of its last five games. The Nittany Lions are among the worst offensive teams in the Big Ten, but they’ve also won three of their five home conference games (Iowa, Rutgers, Indiana).
Micah Shrewsberry’s first season has been rocky at times, but the Nittany Lions are competitive night in and night out in the conference. On paper, this is the type of win that Michigan needs to bolster its NCAA Tournament resume. The Wolverines only have two road wins, and three Q1/Q2 wins on their resume right now. A win at Penn State qualifies comfortably as a Q2 road win and would be a great way to kick off a crucial stretch of three games in five days.
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