No. 4 Michigan opens as a 16-point favorite against Penn State

No. 4 Michigan will open up Big Ten Conference play on Saturday against Penn State. The Wolverines have also opened up as a 16-point favorite for the battle against the Nittany Lions.

Michigan (3-0) defeated Hawaii, 63-3, on September 3rd, Central Florida, 51-14, on September 10th and Colorado, 45-28, on September 17th. Meanwhile, Penn State (2-1) secured a Week 1 victory over Kent State before losing to Pittsburgh and then defeating Temple in Week 3.

Across 19 all-time games between the two squads, Michigan owns a 12-7 lead. The Wolverines were 0-4 against the Nittany Lions from 2008-2013, but have piled on back-to-back wins. The latest victory over Penn State was a 28-16 decision, as Jake Rudock completed 25-of-38 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Michigan went 9-0 against Penn State from 1997-2007 under coach Lloyd Carr.

Penn State running back Saquon Barkley has 51 carries for 258 yards and six touchdowns on the season. During the 39-42 loss against Pittsburgh, the former four-star prospect logged 130 yards and managed five touchdowns.

In 2016, Michigan had a 2-1 record against the spread. The Wolverines only loss against the spread came in the Week 3 matchup with Colorado.