Ahead of the 2020 season, it was announced that the programs in the Big Ten Conference would play an eight game, conference only schedule. The shortened schedule was carried out as a reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. For just the third time in the history of the series, both sides entered the contest unranked. Penn State had begun the season with an 0–5 record, which represented the worst start to a season in the programs history. Michigan had started the season slowly and came into the game with a 2–3 record. The meeting itself took place on November 28, 2020. Penn State would claim their win of the season after scoring three rushing touchdowns in a 27–17 victory. Following the win over Michigan, Penn State would go on to win the final three game of their season to finish with a 4–5 record. After the loss to Penn State, Michigan’s remaining scheduled games against Maryland, Ohio State and Iowa were all cancelled due to concerns surrounding COVID–19 within Michigan’s program. As a result, the Wolverines would finish the season with a 2–4 record. The 2021 edition of the series was played on November 13, 2021. Penn State had initially started the season with a 5–0 record, however they would go on to lose three consecutive games before defeating Maryland a week prior to their meeting with Michigan to take their record to 6–3. Michigan entered the meeting ranked at number six after starting the season with an 8–1 record, with their only defeat coming in a week eight loss to Michigan State. Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara threw for three touchdowns as he guided the Wolverines to a close 21–17 victory. Following the loss to Michigan, Penn State would go on to lose two of their final three games as they finished the season with a 7–6 record which culminated in a 24–10 loss to number twenty one ranked Arkansas in the 2022 Outback Bowl. After the win over Penn State, Michigan would go on to win their remaining three conference games which concluded with a 42–3 win over number thirteen Iowa in the 2021 Big Ten Football Championship Game. Michigan finished the 2021 season ranked at number two in the College Football Playoff rankings. As a result, Michigan would enter the end of season 2021 College Football Playoffs. This was the first time that either Michigan or Penn State had taken part in the playoffs. Michigan would exit the playoffs after losing in the 2021 Orange Bowl to the eventual national champions Georgia.
