The Penn State Nittany Lions will face the Northwestern Wildcats this weekend. The Nittany Lions are 4-0, looking to continue their win streak following their shutout last week. Northwestern is coming off of a big win against Minnesota, putting them at 2-2. Here is everything to watch for with the Nittany Lions this weekend.
What to Watch for
The first away game for the Nittany Lions this season was against Illinois. Kickoff was set for 11 a.m. CDT, which is something Penn State has a history of struggling with. This weekend it is going to be back in the same time zone, and the team will need to be ready. Though the Nittany Lions came up with the win, it wasn’t pretty. The team needs to come out strong and not show that the time slot is affecting them.
Penn State DE Adisa Isaac (20) – Joe Hermitt
There have been fewer explosives this season despite being a strong offense. The team is getting wins, but no one has rushed for more than 19 yards in one play yet. Whether it be Nicholas Singleton or Kaytron Allen, watch for one of the two to have a big rushing play downfield, whether it results in a touchdown or not.
The Nittany Lions defense has done well when it comes to turnovers this season. They have caught five interceptions already this year, according to ESPN, all by different players. The team has also forced and recovered six fumbles. Linebacker Dominic DeLuca has forced two fumbles himself this season. Fans should definitely watch to see how many the team can force this weekend, especially if the offense starts slow like they did against Illinois.
Penn State TE Tyler Warren (44) – Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Penn State Players to Watch
Tyler Warren
Tight end Tyler Warren was underappreciated heading into the season, but he’s not anymore. Warren has been a big asset to this Nittany Lions offense. In just four games, Warren has had 12 receptions for 90 yards and four touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. Last weekend against Iowa, Warren was left completely alone in the endzone, resulting in a Penn State touchdown. Perhaps defenses will now start to take notice, but he is still a player to watch this weekend.
Chop Robinson
Chop Robinson came out strong against Iowa, and that game could have been a big momentum boost this year. The defensive end was a playmaker last season, and as of last week, he is doing it again. In four games, Robinson has had seven combined tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack, according to Sports Reference. He also has had one pass deflection and one forced fumble. With an early time slot, the defense will need to start out strong, making Robinson a player to watch this weekend.
Nicholas Singleton
Runningback Nicholas Singleton has yet to have an explosive play this season. His longest rushing play of the season was for just 19 yards. The team as a whole has not had many explosive plays yet, but they have the ability to. The offense is working, and the team is winning, but this could be the weekend for a big play, and be sure to watch for Singleton to make it happen. This season, Singleton has had 53 carries for 203 yards and five touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. He also has had seven receptions for 72 yards. Whether it is from a reception or a rush, watch for Singleton to finally have that big play down-field.
Penn State DE Chop Robinson (44) – Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Game Predictions
The Penn State Nittany Lions are definitely favorites to win this game. Despite it being early, a score prediction could be 32-7, with the Nittany Lions taking the lead. This will be the most challenging defense that Northwestern has faced, but they have a chance to get one touchdown on the board if they use last week’s game as a momentum boost. Penn State has put up at least 30 points in each game this season, and expect that to happen again. The game will take place this Saturday, September 30th.
