Michigan's X-Factor: Jordan Marshall, Savion Hiter Hold The Key Against Penn State

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Michigan needs a spark in its running game, and Saturday’s matchup against Penn State presents an opportunity for Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter to deliver.

The Wolverines have struggled to establish the ground game consistently this season, averaging just 135 rushing yards per game, which ranks No. 98 nationally. Michigan has scored seven rushing touchdowns, but the production hasn't met expectations for an offense that wants to establish its identity by running the football.

Against a Penn State defense that has struggled to stop the run, Michigan has a chance to change that narrative. Marshall and Hiter need to be the keys to make it happen.

Penn State enters the matchup ranked No. 105 nationally against the run, allowing opponents to average 166 rushing yards on 35 carries per game. The Nittany Lions have also surrendered eight rushing touchdowns, creating an opportunity for Michigan to attack a weakness and establish control of the game.

For a Wolverines offense searching for answers, those numbers should be encouraging.

Marshall and Hiter Have an Opportunity to Break Through

Marshall and Hiter haven't gotten the running game going the way Michigan needs them to, but Saturday presents an opportunity to get back on track.

Michigan doesn't necessarily need either back to produce a spectacular individual performance. It needs consistent, positive gains that keep the offense ahead of the chains, create manageable third downs and prevent the passing game from carrying too much of the burden. Don't sleep on Bryce Underwood as a runner either. He's Michigan's second-leading rusher and was huge in U-M's win against Oklahoma earlier this year.

If Marshall and Hiter can consistently find four or five yards on first down, Michigan can dictate the tempo and force Penn State to respect the run. That could open up opportunities for play-action passes and create more favorable situations for the entire offense.

The Wolverines also need to be more effective at finishing drives. Seven rushing touchdowns demonstrate that they have found the end zone on the ground, but the overall production hasn't been good enough. Against a defense allowing eight rushing touchdowns, Michigan has an opportunity to improve its efficiency when it matters most.

The challenge is turning a favorable matchup on paper into production on the field.

The X-Factors

Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter are Michigan's X factors against Penn State.

The matchup presents an opportunity for both running backs to build momentum while helping the Wolverines address a problem that has lingered throughout the season.

Penn State's No. 105-ranked run defense gives Michigan a favorable opportunity. Now, the Wolverines must take advantage.

If Marshall and Hiter can find running room, generate explosive plays and help Michigan become more efficient on the ground, they could provide the offensive spark the Wolverines desperately need.

Michigan's rushing struggles haven't gone unnoticed. Head coach Kyle Whittingham and offensive coordinator Jason Beck want more from the ground game and have said so openly. Both seem confused as to why the running game isn't working. They've talked about scrapping certain parts of the offense and focusing on others to try and find the right formula on the ground. This matchup provides an opportunity to do that.

There's been plenty of talk about improving the running game. Against Penn State, it's time to show it.

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