Penn State Football: 6 Storylines as the Nittany Lions Face Auburn

A quick trip or two to Pittsburgh aside, Penn State fans have not been fortunate enough to enjoy any particularly interesting non-conference games during the regular season over the past decade. In turn, as the Nittany Lions head to Auburn this weekend there is a true big game feeling ahead of the second in the series between these two programs. Both need a win like this one and each could see their respective seasons boosted by what could turn out to be a marquee win over a Big Ten or SEC school. Of course every game has its storylines, and this one is no different heading into a high anticipated afternoon clash. Here are six to consider.

Stop The Tank:

It’s hard to deny two different but also very related things: how good of name Tank Bigsby is, and how good of a running back Tank Bisgby is. Auburn’s running attack doesn’t only go through their physical back but it certainly starts there. Last season Bigsby rattled off just over 100 yards and two touchdowns against the Nittany Lions and will look to do more of the same a year older and wiser. Bigsby will be the first real run defense test for a Nittany Lion defense that has spent the first two weeks of the season stopping the pass. If you’ve been waiting to see PJ Mustipher round back into form this would be the game. Assuming Penn State can slow down Bigsby it’ll go a long way towards winning on the road.

Do We See Him?:

It’s hard to picture a situation that both Sean Clifford and Drew Allar play on Saturday in a game that doesn’t involve any injuries or blowouts. It’s possible, because anything is possible, but playing Allar would only further muddy waters at a position that doesn’t need any muddying. You the fan might want to see him, but chances are if you do see him things are either going really well or really badly for Penn State. Those doubts aside if James Franklin wants to throw a real wrinkle into Auburn’s defense and Penn State’s season playing Allar would be the way to go. That being said, a safer bet is seeing Allar next weekend against Western Michigan.

The Real Depth:

Against Purdue, James Franklin opted to go with the players he knew he could rely on. Against Ohio, Franklin played darn near anyone within walking distance of the stadium. A few players – especially on offense – made a strong enough showing that you could see them this Saturday in a much bigger moment. Franklin said earlier in the week that the rotations would be more like they were against Purdue than Ohio, but especially in a receiver’s room you could see a few guys bumped up and into action. These are the games when you start to get a sense of which younger faces could be headed towards making an impact this season and nothing proves your worth quite like making plays on the road in big moments. You already know what you need to about Penn State’s starters. Now it’s time to learn about Penn State’s depth.

The Big Moments:

If you’re are coach these games are the ones you learn what kind of team you have. The season isn’t old enough yet for the story to be written but it’s getting just old enough that the next game means a bit more and more. Penn State’s season-opening win over Purdue was impressive, but winning at Auburn would only help the early season resume. Of course Penn State start last season 5-0 before the bottom fell out so one win doesn’t define the year, but it sure can help the cause. Sean Clifford should be a steady hand in a game like this but he will need some help along the way for Penn State to really have a chance for an early season statement win. Nothing tests a team like a tough road environment. Time to see if they pass.

Experience and Stability:

From the outside Auburn seems like a program on the cusp of drama for the better part of the last two years. That doesn’t always equate to the product on the field but if Penn State has anything going for it this weekend it simply might just be having its house in order. Sean Clifford is an experienced quarterback while Auburn is playing two quarterbacks at times while coming off a strange game last week against San Jose State. A random out of conference early season struggle doesn’t mean Auburn is doomed for an awful year, but it was about as opposite of a game as Penn State had against Ohio. In a sport built around momentum, Penn State just has fewer question and less drama to deal with. That might not make tackles but it doesn’t help the mindset of a team and that goes a long way.

Hello There:

Penn State fans appear to be arriving in droves on Friday, how do the Nittany Lion faithful travel for the biggest non-bowl, out of conference game in a decade? Early returns point towards a good showing and that will only add to the atmosphere on Saturday.