This weekend is the annual Penn State White Out. The Nittany Lions will be facing the Iowa Hawkeyes. Both teams are 3-0, and trying to stay not only undefeated but also stay ranked in the AP Top 25 Poll. Iowa is looking to stay on top in the Big West. Here is a look at what to expect during the Penn State White Out this year.
The Penn State White Out: A Great Tradition
This is a tradition that goes back to 2004 but turned into a full stadium tradition in 2007. This week will be the 15th full stadium Penn State White Out. Going back to 2004, before it was with the full stadium, Penn State currently stands at a 10-8 record. Last season, the Nittany Lions faced Minnesota and won 45-17. This was quarterback, Drew Allar’s first Penn State White Out, but this year it will be his first start.
The Penn State White Out is an experience on almost every sports fan’s bucket list. Saying that the energy is high and the crowd is loud is an understatement. This is one of the greatest examples of a home-field advantage that there is. To force the other team to have to take a timeout to avoid a delay of game penalty is the ultimate goal. One of the most famous examples of the crowd noise affecting their opponent can be watched here, in the 2019 Penn State White Out against Michigan.
Penn State Fans at White Out – Barry Reeger/AP Photo
What to Watch
Aside from the crowd energy, there are numerous things to watch for in regards to the team. The first thing is for the offense to step up more. They struggled a bit against Illinois in their week three matchup. The final score and the stats may not look like it, but they were forced to kick two field goals in the first quarter and didn’t score a touchdown until the second quarter. This would have been fine if it were against a tougher opponent, but they should have been able to put up the points quickly against Illinois. Prepare for the offense to come out firing this weekend.
On the other side of the ball, the defense needs to stop the run game. They do well with outside runs, but they struggled to stop any runner down the middle. This has been a reoccurring issue with the Nittany Lions this year. They can’t let Iowa get away with these big runs that can lead to scores. Illinois had a 20-yard run in week three, and Iowa is a stronger opponent.
It will also be important for the players to finish their tackles. The Nittany Lions’ defense is always on the player, but they aren’t finishing these tackles. The opposing team keeps getting the extra yards after contact, which is hurting the Nittany Lions. Hopefully, they step up big time this weekend, and the crowd energy should help them with that.
Penn State TE Tyler Warren (44) – Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Penn State Players to Watch
Drew Allar
Statistically, Allar had a decent game against Illinois, but when watching it was clear he was under pressure. According to ESPN, Allar ended the game with 16 completions out of 33 attempts for 208 yards. He did not throw any interceptions, but he didn’t throw any touchdowns either. This week it is important to watch for how Allar handles the pressure against a ranked opponent in a big game. If he stays calm and completes his passes, he should be just fine.
Tyler Warren
Tight end Tyler Warren has been having a strong season so far. This weekend is only week four, but he has been the tight end targeted the most. In week one the tight ends were quiet, but this season Warren has had ten receptions for 81 yards, according to ESPN. He also has two touchdown receptions this year. Watch for Warren to be a big target in the red zone this week if the Nittany Lions don’t use the go-to T formation.
Curtis Jacobs
Junior linebacker Curtis Jacobs may have a big game this weekend. He leads the team in total tackles with 12, but also has one sack this year, according to ESPN. Penn State has three linebackers that could have big games, but definitely watch for Jacobs to put pressure on Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara.
Penn State RB Nick Singleton (10) – Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Prediction
The Nittany Lions are the natural favorites for the game this weekend. With it being the Penn State White Out, expect every player on that field to give it their all. The final score prediction is 17-38 Penn State. The game kicks off this Saturday, September 23rd at 7:30. Be sure to watch to also see the crowd in this Penn State White Out.
