USA Today sportswriter picks PSU

No. 5 Michigan at Penn State, 8 p.m.

The loss of Mario Manningham will cut down on the explosiveness of the Wolverines offense. Michael Hart will be asked to grind out a win against the stingy Nittany Lions, who surely will be motivated by last year's loss on the final play. Another close finish should be in the offing. Penn State 17, Michigan 16.

Hmmm . . . geez . . . everywhere else, the Lions are underdogs in this fight, point range of 3 to 7 points. You figure JoePa is worth +3 (Beano Cooke Factor) and the "White Out" has gotta be worth 3 more points. Keep Michigan officiating crews away and keep Hart under 100 yards rushing, by golly . . . it could work!