Penn State’s offensive line has never historically been its strong suit.

This year, though, James Franklin and offensive line coach Phil Trautwein put together an offensive line that boasted two-deep four-star talent at nearly every position on the line. However, the group was dealt a blow when guard Landon Tengwall announced his retirement before the season began.

Trautwein’s group has responded well to the loss of Tengwall after struggling early in the season and is coming off one of its best performances of the season.

“I feel really good about where we’re at right now,” Trautwein said. “Guys are at practice working really hard, and it’s great for development and just staying healthy.”

The cornerstone of the offensive line, and a big reason for its recent success, is senior Olu Fashanu. The left tackle is one of the most important linemen on the field as he’s tasked with guarding Allar’s blindside. Allar hasn’t had to worry much this year, with one of Fashanu’s only blunders coming on a fourth-and-four play against Ohio State where JT Tuimoloau got past the senior and forced an incompletion.

Fashanu was projected to be a first-round draft pick last season but stayed with the Nittany Lions for one more year so that he could be a part of what he thought could be a special year while also increasing his draft stock.

“I think the No. 1 thing for me was just getting more reps and getting more experience,” Fashanu said. “Just working on my technique, whether it be in the run or pass game, I definitely felt that I’ve improved on those.”

Fashanu is a leader on the offensive line and has worked hard to get morale back to where it needs to be before the showdown with Michigan Saturday.

Against Ohio State, the offensive line allowed four sacks and eight tackles for loss. The line also wasn’t able to provide space for running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton and the duo only amassed a combined 74 yards on the ground. A week later, the line had trouble bouncing back and allowed three sacks and six tackles for loss against an Indiana defense that is No. 74 in team sacks, according to NCAA analytics.

The script was flipped against Maryland, though, as every facet of the offense seemed to find its groove en route to the 51-15 win over Maryland, one of the most complete victories the Nittany Lions have put together all season.

“The Maryland game came at the right time,” Fashanu said. “For us to go out there and execute the way that we did, I think it’s a huge momentum boost for the entire team.”

Penn State will need the momentum against Michigan. Currently, the Wolverines are ranked first in total defense and passing defense, while they’re ranked ninth in rushing defense. Franklin said after the Ohio State game that he might’ve watched the two best teams in college football battle it out in Columbus. Prior to Michigan, he said that Saturday’s game might feature two of the best defenses in the game.

Despite the increased hype and implications surrounding the team, Fashanu says Saturday is just another opportunity to play in front of a packed Beaver Stadium, something he doesn’t take for granted. Even if it’s just another game, Fashanu will be lining up against some of the best defensive players in the game.

“They’re a very stout front, and they’re very disciplined,” Fashanu said. “Obviously, they’re very technically sound, and they move well and they have good power. It should be a good challenge for my guys against them.”

After Penn State’s loss to Ohio State, the team’s postseason hopes took a blow and the Nittany Lions opened as the No. 11 team in the country in the first College Football Playoff rankings of the year. Fashanu called November the “month of champions,” after Maryland, and believes Penn State’s season can be made through the last three games of the year.

Even though they’ve struggled at times throughout the year, Fashanu believes in the group and knows that they can ride the momentum into a successful showing against Michigan.

“A couple of weeks ago with the Ohio State game, I thought we bounced back well,” Fashanu said. “Last week, beating Maryland, we’re definitely a resilient bunch and I think that’s very important for this last stretch of games.”