Penn State controls its own destiny entering a matchup at Purdue (1-8) on Saturday. The Nittany Lions (-28.5) are three wins away from a likely trip to the College Football Playoff and shouldn’t have any trouble defeating the lowly Boilermakers, in a game that’s set to kickoff at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
Here’s a preview, players to watch and a prediction for Saturday’s contest.
PREVIEW:
Ryan Walters’ program is in turmoil. Purdue hasn’t won since its season opener and is coming off a 45-0 loss to Ohio State. This shouldn’t be a challenge by means for James Franklin and Penn State, which is expected to play a number of true freshmen this weekend. The Boilermakers have been outscored by a combined 146-7 against ranked teams this season. The Nittany Lions should stretch that margin even more with a blowout win.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
RB Corey Smith
With running back Nick Singleton questionable to play after sustaining an injury against Washington this past weekend, true freshman Corey Smith could see an influx in snaps. Smith took five carries for 95 yards against the Huskies, and is set to retain his freshman redshirt even if he plays in all of Penn State’s final three games.
S Dejuan Lane
Penn State safeties Jaylen Reed and Zakee Wheatley have played a ton of football since a long-term injury to Kevin Winston Jr. That opened the door for true freshman Dejuan Lane to see increased playing time, and he’s since burned his redshirt. Franklin would like to have Lane up to speed if the Nittany Lions make the playoff and playing experience is the only way to do that.
QB Drew Allar
For as terrible as the Boilermakers have been at stopping the run this season, their passing defense is nearly just as bad. Drew Allar hasn’t thrown for 300 yards since playing USC on Oct. 12. That could very well change on Saturday against a defense that held Ohio State’s Will Howard to just five incompletions this past weekend.
KEY TO VICTORY:
Strong first half
This game should be over at halftime, that is if Penn State is able to start fast, an apparent struggle through nine games. With a fast start and a strong showing across the middle eight, the Nittany Lions should be able to employ their true freshmen early and often throughout the second half.
PREDICTION: Penn State 48, Purdue 6.
