Penn State slight favorite to end skid

The Nittany Lions have lost eight straight games to Michigan.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan has had its way with JoePa more than any other school.

“Well, the first time I coached against Fielding Yost it was tough,” joked Penn State’s 80-year-old coach, who was referring to the Wolverines’ leader from the early 1900s.

Seriously, Michigan has won eight straight and nine of 12 since the Nittany Lions joined the Big Ten in 1993.

If the Wolverines can win for a ninth time in a row against Paterno and No. 10 Penn State today at home, it would almost double the best streak and improve the top overall mark against the famed coach.

It would not, however, erase the memory of losing to Appalachian State.

“That’s going to stick with you for the rest of your life,” defensive captain Shawn Crable said.

Penn State favored

Penn State (3-0) will play at Michigan (1-2) in the Big Ten opener as slight favorites because a stunning loss to the second-tier Mountaineers and an embarrassing rout against Oregon are still hovering over college football’s winningest program.

The beaten-down Wolverines still have hopes of turning their season around and claiming the conference title they were picked to win.

“You have to win the Big Ten opener if you want to win the Big Ten championship,” defensive tackle Terrance Taylor said. “This game is very important to our season. It’s a championship game to us.”

Led by linebacker Dan Connor and cornerback Justin King, Penn State is giving up a nation-low 17.7 yards rushing a game thanks in part to being tied for first with 17 sacks.

PSU defense is challenge

Michigan running back Mike Hart said the Nittany Lions will probably have the best defense his team faces all year.

“They have a good front four; they have a great set of linebackers; and they have a good secondary,” Hart said. “They can put more guys in the box because their corners and safeties are great.”

But no one is quite sure who will be throwing to Mario Manningham, Adrian Arrington and Greg Mathews.

Freshman Ryan Mallett made his first start last week, throwing three touchdowns to help Michigan beat Notre Dame 38-0. But coach Lloyd Carr hinted that senior Chad Henne might play after missing 11⁄2 games because of an injured right knee.