It’s not secret that Penn State has struggled on offense
over the last couple of seasons. It’s also not a secret that fans are testy and
voice their opinion quite often after games. Last Saturday against Illinois
might have been the most complete game and the most comfortable Penn State has
looked since they played Wisconsin at the end of the 2013 season, pre-James
Franklin era. The Nittany Lions weren’t heavy favorites against the Illini, the
spread was only 8.5, but the final score would suggest otherwise. A 39-0
beatdown in Beaver Stadium gave the team, most importantly the offense, a huge
momentum boost heading in their clash this Saturday i |
| Running back Saquon Barkley has missed two game but still has rushed for 716 yards. |
If you actually watched the game Saturday you noticed that
quarterback Christian Hackenberg looked more comfortable in the pocket than he
has in any game the past two seasons. He moved around and was able extended plays, which
for the most part this season he’s been hesitant to do for obvious reasons. He completed 21 of 29
passes for 266 yards and 2 touchdowns. He even caught a touchdown pass from
running back Nick Scott. The running game was also clicking; Saquon Barkley
carried the ball 20 times for 80 yards and included this impressive touchdown.
It was an all-around performance for the offense and if they continue to
produce like they did and play with the confidence they’re playing with, a
10-win season could be on the horizon. Oh, Hackenberg hasn’t thrown and
interception since September 19th.
The defense held Illinois to just 167 yards including just 37 on the ground. They had their first shutout since 2013 and recording
their sixth game with 4 sacks. Carl Nassib added to his nation-leading sack
total with one more against Illinois bringing his season total to 13.5. You
rarely have to worry about Penn State’s defense but they had given up 69 points
the two previous games, so the 39-0 score probably felt pretty good.
Every game is a ‘big game’ and James Franklin is only
concerned about going 1-0 each week, but this week against Northwestern is the
most important game yet. The Nittany Lions received votes in the top 25 polls
and the team looks to be in those top 25 polls for the first time since 2011 if
they can get by Pat Fitzgerald’s Wildcats. A win will also keep alive the hopes of a good bowl game.
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