Ann Arbor, Michigan - Week 7 of the college football season is one of the most important yet for the Big Ten in general, but one of its most dominant teams in particular!

Last year, the Michigan Wolverines made a run to the national championship game for the first time in the College Football Playoff (CFP) era

This weekend, the team will go toe-to-toe with Penn State in their most important game of the season yet, looking to repeat the same kind of run.

The stakes are as high as they get. If the Wolverines lose against their underdog opponents, they would ultimately lose their playoff berth and a second consecutive national championships attempt will be over before it really had a chance to even begin.

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Given all this context, it's worth taking a closer look at Saturday's huge clash.

Currently, Michigan ranks No. 5 and it has the best chance to represent the Big Ten, aside from No. 2 Ohio State.

While the Wolverines biggest test will come on November 26 in Columbus against the Buckeyes, the upcoming matchup against Penn State will determine if they will move closer to a playoff berth.

Losing on Saturday means an early end to their Division East Conference championship bid, before they even have to face Ohio State. It means the doors to the Big Ten championship game – which determines the playoff berth – slam shut.

Put it simply, this is make-or-break.

While Michigan currently leads the all-time series with Penn State 15-10, the Nittany Lions head into the meeting undefeated. They also travel to Ann Arbor rejuvenated thanks to a bye during Week 6.

The Wolverines, meanwhile, will use their win against the Indiana last weekend as motivation for another big win at home.

The biggest game yet in the Midwest between will kick off on Saturday at 12 PM EDT.