Saturday’s matchup between the Knights and the Nittany Lions of Penn State marks a stark contrast between two very different football programs.
On one hand we have Penn State, one of the most storied, if not the most storied football program in college athletics. We all know how that empire came crashing down in a disheartening manner that captivated the entire nation. However, the past is in the past and the Nittany Lions are looking to re-establish themselves as a legitimate national football program.
On the other side we have the Knights, a program with high expectations and an early favorite to challenge Louisville for the conference title and the chance to go to the Orange bowl. If the Knights can steal this one from Penn State, they immediately launch themselves as a Top 25 contender and a serious headache for the national championship hopeful South Carolina Gamecocks.
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Let’s take a minute to look at what Penn State is bringing to the table:
- The Nittany Lions are also a 2-0 team, coming off of a dominating 45-7 home win against Eastern Michigan.
- Freshman Quarterback Christian Hackenberg has shown some poise and moxie in his first two starts, yet against highly untested opponents. The Knights will provide that test.
- Penn State Head Coach is great friends with UCF’s George O’Leary, knowing each other’s coaching styles means that this matchup will not be a coaching battle.
- The Penn State defense is giving up only 66 rushing yards per game this season. This stingy rushing defense could cause some problems for current FBS touchdown leader Storm Johnson.
- Penn State has only converted 8% of its third downs this season, and remember, this is against not-so-great programs. The Knights have converted 54% of its third downs.
- Despite the low third down conversion numbers, Penn State is still airing it out for over 300 yards a game.
What to take out of all of this?
Christian Hackenberg is young and untested, but has proven he can sling the ball deep. It will be absolutely imperative for the Knights to stop the big plays on 1st and 2nd down if they want a shot to walk out of Happy Valley victorious. It should also be noted that Hackenberg has matched his three touchdowns with three interceptions this season, the Knights need to capitalize on this.
The Battle in the Trenches:
The Knight’s biggest weakness thus far in the season has been their offensive line. Blake Bortles looked to struggle a bit early against FIU when he wasn’t getting enough time in the pocket. We know that the Penn State defense isn’t keen to giving up a lot of rushing yards, but the Knights will need to establish some type of run game early if they want NFL prospect Blake Bortles to get some looks downfield.
Center Joey Grant is the undisputed heart of the offensive line, if he can hold down the battle in the trenches–even just buy Bortles a little bit of time, the Knights will be able to put points on the board.
The Bottom Line:
It should go without being said, but I’ll say it anyways. The magnitude of this game is huge.
By the looks of things, this will not be a huge offensive battle. There are so many factors that come into play this game, but the Knights have a serious shot to win this one.
If the Knights can keep the Penn State defensive line in check and allow Bortles to use his pro-style arm, the Knights will win the offensive battle. Keeping Hackenberg honest and limiting the big plays will at least allow the Knights to keep Penn State’s score low. If this happens, then the Knights will beat Penn State and start their season 3-0.
