Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State Football: 3 Nittany Lions to Watch in the Game at Michigan

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. PITT won 42-39. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

When the Penn State Nittany Lions head to Ann Arbor to take on the Michigan Wolverines Saturday there will be three Nittany Lions to keep an eye on. 

Penn State made it through the non-conference portion of the schedule with a record of 2-1. A valiant comeback and eventual heartbreaking loss to Pitt was the only blemish. Up next is the first Big Ten game of the season. It won’t be an easy test, as the Nittany Lions head on the road this week to meet with one of the top teams in the country.

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The Michigan Wolverines have put up video game-like numbers in their first three wins. They have averaged 53 points a game while allowing opponents to score just an average of 15.

That will present a tough task for a Penn State defense that has really struggled through three games. Adding to the struggles of the defense is the fact that the unit has been plagued with numerous significant injuries. The Nittany Lions will be without all three staring linebackers this week.

Fortunately, for all of the struggles on defense, the offense has really turned a corner from the past two seasons. Offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead’s offense has started to deliver on the expectations of an up-tempo, dangerous offense. The Nittany Lions have averaged 35 points and 276 yards through the first three games.

As expected, Michigan is a heavy favorite in this one. If Penn State is going to have any chance, several players are going to have to step up. Check out the following three Nittany Lions to keep an eye on this week at Michigan.

Apr 18, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Brandon Smith (47) tackles tight end Kyle Carter (87) after a catch during the first quarter of the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

LB Brandon Smith

Fans and media members alike found themselves asking, “Who is Brandon Smith?” after the win against Temple. The former fullback turned linebacker saw his first significant action as a member of the Nittany Linos.

Already thin at linebacker against Temple with Brandon Bell and Jason Cabinda both sidelined, Smith was put into action when middle linebacker Nyeem Wartman-White suffered an injury in the first half.

Smith didn’t disappoint. He finished the afternoon tied for second on the team with eight total tackles. He also got credited with a half sack and a pass breakup.

Wartman-White is now out for the season. Cabinda and Bell will once again be out this week, meaning that Smith could once again have a big role.

Keep your eyes on #47 Saturday. He gave an exciting performance against Temple and will look to do the same versus the Wolverines.

Oct 17, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Brandon Polk (10) chases after a ollse ball under pressure from Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

WR Brandon Polk

Wide receiver Brandon Polk has shown an ability to make plays both as a runner and a receiver. He has also been used as a kick returner. However, he’s been underused so far this season, making just two catches for 18 yards. He has yet to carry the ball and has just one kick return.

However, Polk is a dangerous, speedy player who could be very important in the offense. This week against Michigan, the Nittany Lions are going to have to do some special things in order to have a chance. Offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead needs to find ways to utilize Polk.

With Penn State likely being forced to throw a lot in this one, Polk can be a good threat down the field.

Even if he’s still underutilized on offense, he could be a very important player on special teams. Penn State has still struggled with kick returns and needs to find the right combination of returners that work. Polk was given a chance against Temple and returned a kick for 35 yards. Unfortunately, he was not put back to return kicks after that one and didn’t have another chance to show what he can do.

Polk could be a very sneaky x-factor this week, especially if he’s put back on kick returns.

Sep 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Mike Gesicki (88) runs after a catch against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

TE Mike Gesicki

All the talk in the offseason was that Mike Gesicki had been putting in extra work to improve upon his struggles from a year ago. So far, everything he’s done has clearly worked. He looks like a different player so far.

Gesicki had high expectations when he came to Happy Valley thanks to his size and athletic ability. This year is the first time that he’s really been able to show that. He’s a matchup nightmare for defenders when he goes across the middle, and his jumping ability makes it capable for him to grab anything close.

That ability was clearly shown against Temple when he leaped and made a one-handed grab for 52 yards.

So far this year, Gesicki has nine receptions for 158 yards and a touchdown. He already has more yards than the 125 that he put up last year and is just four catches away from tying last year’s number.

Gesicki has been a key to quarterback Trace McSorley and the passing game. That should continue this week against the Wolverines.

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