Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Penn State Starting 3-0

Penn State hasn't started 3-0 since 2009 and look to do so this weekend when they travel down to take on Rutgers in the Scarlet Knights first Big Ten game. Here are some keys to the game if the Nittany Lions look to remain unbeaten.

Offense:
  • Get the run game going. Akeel Lynch looked to be the most effective back whether it was in the wild cat or taking a hand off. Establish a run game early Saturday night and open up big plays down the field.
  • Hackenberg needs to not force it. The super talented sophomore has a great arm but likes to force the ball into tight windows or try his luck with double coverage. He'll learn as the season goes on but those are turnovers that can be avoided. 
  • The offensive line needs to keep their quarterback clean. The offensive line was the biggest question mark coming into the season and they've done well so far but against Akron, Hackenberg seemed to take a lot of hits. Rutgers has an above average defensive line so this is going to be the next big challenge for the line. 
  • Big plays down the field early and often. Keep throwing the ball to Daeseason Hamilton and Geno Lewis. Plain and simple. 
  • Field goals are nice, but not in the red zone. The Lions have been in the red zone on eight possessions but only have two touchdowns. When they get into the red zone they need to make the most of it and put up 6 not 3. 
Defense:
  • Keep getting pressure on the quarterback. In their first game against Central Florida the defense had two sacks. Last weekend they got to Akron quarterback Kyle Phol four times. The defense has been up to the challenge this season and has made big plays when it needed to. Look for them to get after Rutgers quarter Gary Nova every chance they get. 
  • Turnovers. Turnovers. Turnovers. The Nittany Lions have caused one turnover this season. If they want to keep winning games they'll need to win the turnover battle. So far, they're -5 in the turnover margin (2 fumbles, 4 interceptions).
Special Teams:
  • Field Position. Chris Gulla has been clutch when it comes to putting the opposing offenses in bad field position. He'll have to continue that this weekend. Punt return and kick return has been a question mark for the Nittany Lions for a while now, they've done okay this season so far on the kick return game, the punt return game needs to step up. 
Prediction: Penn State's offense is too much for Rutgers to handle. 28-10 Penn State pulls away in the second half. 

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