ANN ARBOUR, MI – While all eyes are on the Big Ten and Jim Harbaugh’s status for Saturday, there is one injury issue for Penn State.
Michigan starting cornerback Josh Wallace missed the second half of last week’s 41-13 win over Purdue, casting doubt on his availability for the top-10 matchup in State College (Noon ET, FOX).
When asked about Wallace this week, defensive backs coach and co-coordinator Steve Clinkscale said, “he’s alright,” but didn’t say whether the 6-foot, 190-pound corner will play.
“Everybody’s working hard, and everyone’s getting healthy or healthy,” Clinkscsale added. “This is football. November has arrived. “Hell, I’m hurt.”
Wallace played the entire first half last Saturday and “had a hell of a half,” according to Clinkscale, who revealed that the coaching staff rated him 100 percent at the point of attack. He ended with two tackles, one for loss, and one pass breakup.
“When he was at UMass, he didn’t have a specific corners coach all of the time, so he’s like a sponge with him being a graduate already,” Clinkscale said of Wallace, an off-season transfer. “I stroll by the meeting room, and he’s alone in there viewing films. He’s doing an excellent job of impersonating the senior players. He’s a fantastic complement.”
If Wallace is limited or unable to play, Michigan (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten) will likely slide nickel. Replace him with Mike Sainristil or Keshaun Harris or Ja’Den McBurrows. Harris started Michigan’s first two games at cornerback but was ruled out last week due to injury. His current situation is unclear.
• Otherwise, Michigan (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten) is in good shape heading into Saturday’s game. Last week, only two additional players, both reserves, were ruled out: C.J. Stokes and Davis Warren, both running backs.
• Running back for short distances Kalel Mullings returned to the game against Purdue and is expected to play again.
