Army is good at a lot of things but football is not high on
that list. Since 2010, the Black Knights have won 19 games. They bring a 1-3
record into Happy Valley this weekend, and while you might know much about
Army, football fans know that they typically boast one of the nation’s top
rushing attacks. This year is no different; the Black Knights rank 9th
in the country with 294 yards per game, on the flip side, Penn State comes in
with the 14th ranked rush defense allowing just 90 yards per game.
Something’s got to give.
The weather will be something Penn State is used to,
raining. That typically favorites the team who can run the ball more
effectively but Army hasn’t faced a defense like Penn State’s and hasn’t play
in an atmosphere like Beaver Stadium.
In all likelihood Penn State will be without running backs
Akeel Lynch and Saquon Barkley who both sustained injuries last week against
San Diego State. Head coach James Franklin is ‘ho-hum’ on injuries so the
status of Lynch and Barkley are still unknown. Franklin will turn to a pair of
redshirt freshman in Nick Scott and Mark Allen to carry the load if the weather
calls for it. Penn State’s passing game got going last week as quarterback
Christian Hackenberg had his highest output of the season throwing for 296
yards and 3 touchdowns. The offensive line seems to be in sync and is getting
better but will still continue to be a storyline going forward as Big Ten play
starts next weekend. The offense will need to be clicking again if the Lions
want to avoid the upset.
Penn State’s defense comes into Saturday leading the nation
in sacks with 18, Carl Nassib has 7 of those sacks, as well as 3rd
in total tackles for loss with 40. Up front the combination of Anthony Zettel
and Austin Johnson inside allows for guys like Nassib and the linebackers to
run free and cause havoc in the backfield. Speaking of Anthony Zettel, the
senior was the standout last week as he led the team in tackles with 7 and had
a fumble recovery, all of that coming a day after the loss of his father.
Zettel will no doubt still be carrying some of that emotion into tomorrow’s contest.
Playing for the name of a loved one carries a lot of weight and you can bet
your ass Zettel is strong enough to do that.
Penn State is a 25-point favorite against Army, I don’t like
it to be that high if the weather calls for rain, but I expect the Nittany
Lions to win by multiple scores. 31-13.
Injury note: Safeties Marcus Allen and Jordan Lucas are
expected to play.
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