Michigan keeps its offense intact out of the bye with Penn State coming to Ann Arbor

Michigan is coming out of its bye week without changing who runs the offense. Head coach Kyle Whittingham indicated at his Monday press conference that no changes are planned at offensive coordinator or at quarterback, even with Penn State coming to Ann Arbor on Saturday.

The decision was the main topic of The Wolverine's latest podcast on On3. Anthony Broome, Chris Balas and Clayton Sayfie went through what Whittingham said Monday, and Broome wrote that the Wolverines still have "plenty to improve" before kickoff. On3's other coverage from the press conference said Whittingham is sticking with Bryce Underwood at quarterback, took questions on whether Tommy Carr will ever mix in, and gave updates on injuries along the offensive line. On3 also reported that the bye week did not produce major changes overall, though Michigan will have a new punt returner.

For Michigan, the message is that the coaches trust the current setup more than a midseason shakeup. Balas described that choice in a separate On3 column as a risk. The Wolverines are 3-2 and spent the open week trying to fix things in-house without changing personnel. Whether that holds up will show quickly against a Big Ten opponent that needs a win just as much.

Penn State comes in at 3-3 and is fighting to stay relevant in the conference race. The Nittany Lions and Wolverines kick off Saturday, October 17, at 3:30 p.m. EDT on CBS. The stakes are high on both sides. Michigan can build momentum before hosting Indiana in Week 8, and Penn State badly needs a road win to get back above .500.

The market expects the home team to win. Michigan is favored at -217 on Novig, one of the venues offering prices on the game. FanDuel has the best sportsbook number on the Wolverines at -220. The spread is Michigan -6.5, and the total sits at 41.5, which points to a fairly low-scoring afternoon. Full pricing is on the Penn State at Michigan odds page.

That 41.5 total puts the focus right back on Michigan's offense. Whittingham has chosen to keep his staff and his quarterback in place. Now that unit has to show a week of practice was enough to fix what wasn't working before the bye. If the offense stalls again, the decision will get more scrutiny with Indiana up next. If it moves the ball against Penn State, Michigan heads into the back half of its schedule with its current approach backed up by results.

The podcast also covered other notes from Whittingham's Monday session and quick takeaways from the Michigan men's basketball team's exhibition win on Sunday.