Penn State heads into Friday night in Evanston with a chance to straighten out its Big Ten start, and the matchup with Northwestern offers a few clear pressure points.
The biggest one starts with the passing game. Penn State managed only 114 yards through the air against Wisconsin, with Chase Sowell and Ben Brahmer accounting for 10 catches and 106 yards between them.
Brett Eskildsen, one of the fastest players on the roster, didn’t record a catch, even though he flashed open for a potential big play in the fourth quarter while the Lions were ahead 20-10. Rocco Becht simply underthrew him.
If Becht ends up leaning on just one receiver again against the Wildcats, Penn State is asking for trouble.
There’s also the question of whether Penn State can bother Northwestern quarterback Aidan Chiles without sending extra rushers. Sacks have been a problem for the Lions, who have only six so far. Indiana got to Chiles four times in last week’s 29-23 win over Northwestern, and while Chiles still threw for 293 yards and two touchdowns, the Hoosiers kept him under pressure and held the Wildcats to 32 rushing yards.
The backfield needs clarity, too. Rotating four running backs in a Big Ten game is too much, and Matt Campbell and offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser need to settle on one primary option with one backup behind him. James Peoples was the most effective Penn State runner against Wisconsin, so the real question is whether the Lions pair him with Carson Hansen or Quinton Martin Jr. against Northwestern.
Turnovers could swing it as well. Penn State comes in at plus-7 in turnover margin, and its only giveaway through four games was Becht’s third-quarter interception against Wisconsin.
Northwestern has just one turnover in three games, a lost fumble. The team that wins that battle tonight has the edge.
Special teams may be Penn State’s cleanest advantage. Ryan Barker has hit 7 of 8 field goals.
Zay Robinson is averaging 11.8 yards on 14 punt returns and has a long of 38 yards. Penn State’s punt unit hasn’t allowed a return yard yet, while opposing kick returners are averaging 16.3 yards on six tries.
In a tight game, that kind of edge matters.
And then there’s Griffin Wilde. The veteran Northwestern receiver caught a touchdown pass in last season’s win at Beaver Stadium, and he’s been the Wildcats’ most productive pass catcher this year with 14 receptions for 245 yards. Penn State’s secondary has to keep him from taking over the night.
In Other News...
Penn State Fans Just Got A New Beaver Stadium Comparison
Northwesterns new Ryan Field made its debut during Penn States visit, giving Nittany Lions fans a fresh point of comparison for what a modern college football venue can look like. The 35,000-seat on-campus stadium, built at a cost of $870 million, puts a premium on closeness to the action, with premium seating, a standing-only student section and a layout that brings the crowd right up to the playing surface.
Penn State broadcaster Steve Jones also took note of the new setup, including the location of the visiting radio booth, while the game added another layer to the conversation with the strong Peacock/NBC production. For Penn State observers, the contrast with Beaver Stadium was hard to miss, especially on a night when the sideline environment again underscored how crowded things can feel in Happy Valley. [Read more 🡒]
Penn States Northwestern Prep Just Took A Surprising Turn
Penn States trip to Northwestern now comes with a little more clarity on the injury front for both sides. The Wildcats will be without tight end Luke Dehnicke and defensive back Braden Turner, while defensive back Damon Walters and receiver Hayden Eligon are listed as game-time decisions. There is confidence that Eligon will suit up, which gives Northwestern at least a chance to keep one more piece available as it tries to sort through a thin week of preparation.
For the Nittany Lions, the injury picture is familiar in a less welcome way. Defensive end Max Granville is out for the season, and receiver Koby Howard is sidelined for an extended stretch, leaving Penn State to keep adjusting its depth as the schedule rolls on. Even with Northwestern dealing with its own absences, this is the sort of matchup where availability can shape both game planning and in-game flexibility before either side ever settles into a rhythm. [Read more 🡒]
Former Penn State QB Is Watching One Big Test For This New Era
Drew Allar is keeping a close eye on Penn States next chapter, and he sounds encouraged by the direction the program is headed under new head coach Matt Campbell. The former quarterback said he respects Campbell even though he never played for him, a small but telling sign that the transition has already earned some buy-in from one of the most recognizable players of the previous era.
Allar also pointed to Virginia Techs strong start under James Franklin as another reminder of how quickly new coaching situations can take shape. From his vantage point, both programs have a chance to keep growing beyond his time in college football, and the real test now is whether Penn State can turn that optimism into sustained success in Campbells new era. [Read more 🡒]