Every team has to deal with injuries throughout a season, but for Penn State injuries have shaken its linebacker group this season.

Heading into a matchup with unbeaten Michigan later this afternoon (ABC, 3:30 ET), three new starters at linebacker is not ideal. Although something has to be said for Brandon Smith, Jake Cooper, and Manny Bowen, which all filled in for the injured Nyeem Wartman-White, Jason Cabinda, and Brandon Bell last week in the Nittany Lions' win over Temple. The three did a pretty solid job and kept the Owls at bay for the most part.However, this week is a whole other animal in the Michigan Wolverines. The Big House will be rocking, and with Penn State's injuries you're asking three relatively new starters to make big-time plays in a really big-time environment."Now we're in a situation where it's not just about what positions they understand. It's also about getting the best three guys on the field. So it will be interesting to see how this plays out this week," said Penn State head coach James Franklin. "Brandon Smith, obviously, has gained a lot of confidence individually and also the confidence of our coaching staff. But we want to create some flexibility with those guys as well."The Michigan offense has been impressive this season, averaging 53 points per game, which ranks fourth nationally.Quarterback Wilton Speight has been efficient, throwing for 686 yards and eight touchdowns. His top target has been Amarah Darboh, who ranks fourth in the country with four receiving touchdowns. Then you only have to worry about All-American tight end Jake Butt and the electric Jehu Chesson. In the run game, DeVeon Smith will be the main guy running the football. In all, it's a supreme challenge for Penn State later today, especially with all the key injuries."Being able to stop the run and being physical across the defensive line ... (are) going to be really, really important, because if they can establish the run and play-action pass, they're really difficult to defend," said Franklin. "Obviously, when they have play makers like their two wide outs - big, long, athletic guys - as well as their tight end, who is a very gifted route runner and receiver, that causes some real challenges for you."Trace McSorley and the Penn State offense have been a bright spot this season. The Nittany Lions' offense continues to generate explosive plays each and every week, and they will certainly need a bunch of them later today.There's no doubt about it, the Michigan defense will be the fastest and most physical defense the Nittany Lions will face up to this point in the season.The Wolverines lead the country on allowing third-down conversions, allowing just 10.5 percent of attempts successfully. That's not good for Penn State, as it's just 23 percent effective on third down conversions.Another staggering statistic is that Michigan opponents have been in the red zone just three times this season, with the Wolverines allowing just one red-zone score.The Penn State offensive line must also keep the Wolverines out of the backfield. Michigan is second nationally, averaging 10.7 tackles for loss per game."I think their speed is a factor, but the biggest thing is how big and strong they are. We have 12 seniors on our team. They have 13 seniors on the two deep on defense, and 13 seniors on the two deep on offense," said Franklin. "They're just a big, strong, physical, mature team, and then they do have some speed aspects."For the Nittany Lions to have a chance in this one, the offense has to play lights out and not turn the ball over. With all the injuries to the Penn State defense, it would be pretty stupid to think the Michigan offense isn't going to have success.Saquon Barkley also must be a factor this week. McSorley and the passing game will need his help with the dynamic Jabril Pepper patrolling the secondary for Michigan.Peppers must also be contained in the special teams department. He took a punt back last week and he can change the game at any time at any point.Las Vegas has Penn State as an 18-point underdog. I think there is just too much against the Nittany Lions this week with all the injuries and the road atmosphere.My pick is Michigan 42, Penn State 28.