Penn State seeks answers on offensive line before Michigan trip

Summarised from 2 outlets · 21 reports · Updated 16 Oct, 00:50 · Archive

Penn State, winless in the Big Ten, is seeking to improve its struggling offensive line before facing Michigan.

Penn State, winless in Big Ten play at 0-3, is looking to address problems with its offensive line ahead of facing Michigan. Coach Matt Campbell says the team is making progress despite results not showing it, and he wants to see improvement in the running game against the equally struggling Wolverines, who are 0-2 in conference play.

Campbell is working with offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser to find the right approach and personnel. Mouser acknowledged the offensive line has been a problem, saying the team has 'a running game without an identity'. Penn State's ground game has been particularly weak in recent weeks, generating 48 and 68 yards in its last two games and averaging about two yards per carry against Northwestern and Southern California.

The Nittany Lions have not been held to fewer than 100 yards rushing in three straight games since 2021. Wide receiver Koby Howard, who has been sidelined with an injury, leads the team with eight explosive plays, while Penn State has created just seven in Big Ten play so far.

How it is being reported

• Will Penn State's Matt Campbell make staff changes? Hey, Bob!Penn State fans have plenty of questions about Penn State. If you combine the Lions' 2025 Big Ten record with the Lions' 2026 start in the Big Ten, PSU is 3-9 in its last 12 conference games.PennLive · 15 Oct, 21:41
• Familiarity between PSU DT, Michigan HC on display on SaturdayPenn State defensive tackle Dallas Vakalahi played two years for Kyle Whittingham. Now with a reunion looming, Vakalahi knows the Wolverines will be well coached.PennLive · 15 Oct, 19:53
• Penn State explosive plays hard to come by in Big TenWR Koby Howard, who has missed Penn State's last three games with an undisclosed injury, leads the Lions in explosive plays with eight. PSU has created just seven in Big Ten play.PennLive · 15 Oct, 13:30
• Picks, predictions for PSU-MichiganBoth Penn State and Michigan have first year coaches and are looking for their first Big Ten wins. Can Penn State win on the road in Ann Arbor for the fifth time in program history?PennLive · 15 Oct, 12:14
• Ex-Penn State defender off to incredbile start in the SECDefensive tackle Xavier Gilliam left Penn State for Tennessee ahead of the 2026 season. The Lions are desperate for defensive help and Gilliam is a star in the SEC. He has 10 tackles for loss, 5 sacks and 6 QB hurries in six games.PennLive · 15 Oct, 11:00
• As Penn State searches for 1st Big Ten win, is Matt Campbell leaning on Pat Kraft?Alignment between the coach and AD is important. Penn State coach Matt Campbell dishes on if he has it with Pat Kraft thus far.PennLive · 15 Oct, 11:00
• Ten numbers to know in the Penn State-Michigan seriesMichigan and Penn State meet for the 28th time on Saturday in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines are 9-4 against the Lions at Michigan Stadium.PennLive · 15 Oct, 11:00
• Initial availability report for Penn State-Michigan is outPenn State has been without top players Max Granville and Koby Howard for an extended time period. Howard could return in a couple of weeks but Granville is out for the season after playing in only one game.PennLive · 15 Oct, 01:24
• Penn State could turn to wild card option at LB vs. MichiganPenn State is thin at the linebacker position with Alex Tatsch out for the season with an undisclosed injury. PSU head coach Matt Cambpell said DB Marcus Neal could see snaps at LB moving forward.PennLive · 14 Oct, 21:35
• Penn State started 3-0: How good are Marshall, Temple and Buffalo?Penn State is still looking for a signature win. The teams the Lions beat -- Marshall, Temple and Buffalo -- have combined for just eight victories.PennLive · 14 Oct, 20:58
• Kyle Whittingham's simple message for Michigan players ahead of PSU gamePenn State and Michigan are a combined 0-5 in Big Ten play entering Saturday's matchup in Ann Arbor. The Lions drop to 0-4 with a loss.PennLive · 14 Oct, 17:27
• Key positions, players in Penn State-Michigan matchupPenn State's offensive line will face a major test against a Michigan defensive front featuring John Henry Daley. The Utah transfer was named first-team All-American last season after producing 17.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.PennLive · 14 Oct, 15:27
• What’s at stake? Series history, key facts & figures for Penn State vs. MichiganPenn State has won at the Big House just four times. Can they make it 5? Which team will get its first Big Ten win?PennLive · 14 Oct, 13:41
• Why Penn State football still has a ‘whole lot’ to prove amid Big Ten losing streakFor months, Matt Campbell has insisted his Penn State team has a lot to prove. Now that's only been heightened amid recent results.PennLive · 14 Oct, 12:15
• Penn State's 4 keys against MichiganPenn State can beat Michigan on Saturday if the Lions can force young U-M quarterback Bryce Underwood to beat them with his arm, and not his legs.PennLive · 14 Oct, 11:00
• Matt Campbell on Penn State's big recruiting weekendPenn State's running game has struggled in Big Ten play. Matt Campbell explained with the Lions leaned on Carson Hansen and James Peoples in the loss to USC.PennLive · 13 Oct, 23:43
• How to get tickets for Penn State vs. Michigan football Saturday in Ann ArborPenn State hits the road for Ann Arbor and a Saturday matchup against Michigan that surprisingly features two teams both chasing their first Big Ten Conference wins.PennLive · 13 Oct, 23:00
• Penn State's biggest issues after 6 gamesPenn State is 0-3 in the Big Ten for many reasons. Two of the biggest? The Nittany Lions can't run the ball, and Matt Campbell's team has struggled to stop the run.PennLive · 13 Oct, 22:57
• Penn State, winless in the Big 10, is looking for answers up front with trip to Michigan loomingSTATE COLLEGE — Even though Penn State’s results don’t show it, Matt Campbell believes his team is making progress.TribLIVE · 13 Oct, 22:00
• Penn State's Matt Campbell evaluates struggling run gamePenn State's running game is averaging just 2.6 yards per attempt in Big Ten play. The Lions visit Michigan on Saturday afternoon.PennLive · 13 Oct, 19:50
• Three stats that explain Penn State's 0-3 record in Big TenPenn State's defene is ranked 126th in FBS in red zone defense. The Lions have allowed opponents to score on 17 of 18 posssesions inside the PSU 20-yard line.PennLive · 13 Oct, 19:09

In this story: Penn State · Matt Campbell · Michigan · Taylor Mouser · Koby Howard · Dallas Vakalahi

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