College football
Penn State Faces Wisconsin In Pivotal Game
This weekend, Penn State will face the Wisconsin Badgers in Penn State’s annual THON game. However, this game has way more to it then just that. This game will determine who gets a nice bowl game. Penn State faces Wisconsin in pivotal game.
All-time series and Preview
The Nittany Lions and Badgers have met 18 total times and both teams have nine wins a piece. However, The Nittany Lions are on a three game winning streak (2012-2016). The last time both teams clashed was in December of 2016 at Lucas Oil Stadium for the Big Ten championship which Penn State won 38-31.
The last time both teams played each other at Beaver Stadium was November of 2012, when Penn State narrowly escaped with a 24-21 victory. This season, both teams came in with expectations that were high. Ultimately, both teams face each other with identical 6-3 records and seasons that no one thought they would be at.
Penn State’s Offense
The Nittany Lions boost the nations 49th best total offense. Coming into this season, Trace McSorley was a top candidate for the Heisman trophy. In fact, he is the head of this Penn State offense. However, he’s battling a knee injury and it’s unclear if he’ll be 100 percent for Saturday’s game. Running back Miles Sanders has been able to show he’s capable of being the lead running back for Penn State, as his physical stature has been opposing teams haven’t been able to stop all easy. Penn State has seen a star breakout in the wide receiver position in red-shirt freshman K.J Hamler.
Penn State’s Defense
Penn State came into this year trying to piece together it’s identity. In fact, they still are, experience wise, they have a fifth-year senior in Koa Farmer and veteran and senior cornerback Amani Oruwariye. The Nittany Lions defense allows almost five yards per play (4.85) to be exact. One thing is for sure is the linebacker position hasn’t missed a beat as walk-on, and then turned into a scholarship and linebacker Jan Johnson has provided some stability up front. Let’s add freshman Micah Parsons to that list as well, even though he hasn’t started, Parsons has provided an extraordinary presence for Penn State. He’s quick to the ball once he sees the play develope and his 6-foot-3 frame is one-of-a-kind,except the defense to be better in the coming years as the core is still young.
Wisconsin Offense
The Wisconsin Badgers have the 34th ranked offense in the country. The Badgers average 6.6 yards per play and have one of the most prolific running backs in Jonathan Taylor, who currently is averaging 151.4 yards per game, and leads the entire FBS with 1,363 rushing yards total. Alex Hornibrook is the quarterback for the Wisconsin Badgers, although he won’t be playing in the game against Penn State due to a concussion or at least going through the protocol. On the other hand, Sophomore Jack Coan will be making his second collegiate start. Coan’s other start came against Northwestern where Coan went 20-31 for 158 yards along with one touchdown.
Wisconsin Defense
The Wisconsin Badgers have the 34th ranked defense in the country. The defense allows 5.61 yards per play. Ryan Connelly leads the Badgers defense with 65 total tackles, 39 solo and 26 assisted. T.J Edwards is second in the category with 62 total tackles 35 solo and 27 assisted. Edwards also has two interceptions.
Conclusion
Penn State faces Wisconsin in pivotal game. This game will determine who goes to a solid bowl game and who won’t. Wisconsin is second in the Big Ten West while Penn State is looking to just stay afloat. Kickoff is set for noon and can be watched on ABC.
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Photo Credit to Penn State alumni association via Flickr
