San Diego State Preview

Here’s the deal for Penn State going forward this season, and it’s real simple, give Saquon Barkley the ball. And if Barkley needs a break giving the ball to Akeel Lynch isn’t the worst thing they can do. Now this is the definition of optimism but hear me out; James Franklin rides the coattails of his true freshman to the tune of 1,600 yards allowing the passing game to open up, Christian Hackenberg accumulates 2,600 yards and 15 touchdowns. He doesn’t get sacked more than twice a game. Our defense does their thing and is recognized as one of the best in the country. Put all that together and you’re looking at a potential 9-win or 10-win team.

I know. I know. I know. How can I say Penn State will win 9 or 10 games when they’ve beaten the likes of Buffalo and Rutgers, and got embarrassed by Temple, because I can see it happening. I can see Saquon Barkley being that workhorse running back like great teams have, I can see Hackenberg emerging as the most talented quarterback in the country like many people believe he is, I can our defense going from ‘good’ to ‘great’.  All of that is not outside the realm of possibility.

For now, let’s focus on San Diego State. The Aztecs come into Happy Valley at 1-2 and are still trying to find themselves. They play a 3-3-5 defense that will drive defensive coordinators absolutely insane. Players on defense never stop moving. That does have its downfall however, because players don’t stop moving and they blitz roughly 75% of the time, it opens up holes for the running game. If Penn State can establish a run game early and often that will make the Aztecs respect that run game and put multiple players in the box, which in return allows for the passing game to open up. It’s also a defense that allows 233 yards through the air and 161 yards on the ground, which will bode well for Barkley and company.

Offensively the Aztecs rank just seven spots behind Penn State in total offense. (122^nd out of 128 teams.) Penn State’s defense ranks 23^rd in total defense and with the front seven playing the way they are, it could be a long day for San Diego State. Look for Bob Shoop’s defense to take full advantage of a poor Aztec offense.

Special teams could have a big day as well. It seems that DeAndre Thompkins is only one move away from taking a punt return to the house. Those return yards and potential touchdowns could be the difference between a win and a loss.

Penn State is favored by two touchdowns this weekend and I expect them to cover that spread and then some. Look for Christian Hackenberg to eclipse the 200-yard mark and again Saquon Barkley will have a big game. On defense, they bring the heat and pitch a shutout. Penn State wins 34-0.