3 Biggest X-Factors For Penn State to Take Down Michigan

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The Penn State Nittany Lions started the year on a high note, winning three straight games.

This had people thinking that they could be trying to go after a spot in the College Football Playoff, but the team has seen a reality check take place. Penn State has now lost three straight games, with the most recent coming to the USC Trojans a week ago.

The Nittany Lions will be facing off against the Michigan Wolverines on the road this week, giving the team a challenge. Playing at the Big House is always tough, no matter what Michigan's record is.

Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Nittany Lions to find a way to take down Michigan this week:

1. Contain Bryce Underwood

Anytime a team plays Michigan, the first thing for them to do is make sure that quarterback Bryce Underwood doesn't get out of the pocket. Underwood can game-changing ability with his legs, so Penn State is going to have to force him to throw the ball.

The Nittany Lions' run defense has been shaky this season, and this will be an area that the Wolverines will try to exploit. But if Penn State can do enough to contain Underwood and the running game of Michigan, they could have a solid chance to come out with the win.

2. Get Rocco Becht Back on Track

Before the losing streak for the Nittany Lions, quarterback Rocco Becht was playing at a very high level for this team. But over the last few weeks, Becht has come back down to earth, showing signs of inconsistency early on in the year.

For the season, Becht has thrown for 1397 yards with 11 touchdowns and three interceptions, but much of the scores came early in the year. Becht has to get the offense going this week; otherwise, the Nittany Lions could be in some serious trouble against Michigan.

3. Execute on Third Down

In the loss to USC last week, the Nittany Lions couldn't get the job done on third down and it cost them. Penn State went two-for-12 on third-down attempts in the game, which simply won't allow any team to be put in a place to win.

As they get ready for the Wolverines, the Nittany Lions have to execute on third-down, giving their offense more chances to score. If they can work on this, Penn State will be able to generate more scoring opportunities against this Michigan defense.

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