Penn State vs. Northwestern: Prediction and preview

Northwestern travels east to take on Penn State in Beaver Stadium on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time. The game is set to air on ESPN.

Penn State vs. Northwestern preview

Northwestern was on top of the world in Dublin after downing Scott Frost’s Nebraska squad in comeback fashion.

If only they knew that was the peak of their young season. Northwestern has taken a nosedive since downing the Huskers, falling to Duke, Southern Illinois and Miami (OH) – not exactly quality losses here. All 4 games the Wildcats have played have finished within a touchdown.

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Penn State, on the other hand, is very happy it was able to wipe the dust off against Purdue and still come out on top. The Nittany Lions haven’t even let an opposing team close since winning 35-31 in West Lafayette Week 1, downing Auburn, Ohio and Central Michigan convincingly on their way to a 4-0 record and No. 11 ranking in the most recent AP Poll.

A big reason why has been its balance of an offensive attack. Sean Clifford is getting it done through the air, but freshman running backs Kaytron Allen and especially Nick Singleton have more than filled in for injured Keyvone Lee.

Singleton has turned into one of the best runners in the conference. Many expected it from him, but perhaps not this early. He’s scampered for 376 yards and 4 touchdowns to Allen’s 217 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Defensively, Penn State could have trouble adjusting to Northwestern’s solid offensive line, led by Peter Skoronski. The star left tackle has been dominant through 4 games this season.

Evan Hull is another guy the Nittany Lions will have to watch out for. He’s done well with what he has been given and has rushed for 370 yards and 3 touchdowns so far this season. He also leads the Wildcats in receiving yards with 29 catches for 311 yards and a touchdown. Pat Fitzgerald likes to do a lot of his work in short passes to Hull, allowing his physical frame to pound out some yardage.

Malik Washington is another capable weapon on the Wildcats offense. The senior receiver leads all receivers with 27 receptions and 305 yards.

Penn State vs. Northwestern prediction

This is not a game Penn State can ever see close beyond the first 5 minutes. Northwestern has struggled and should continue to struggle Saturday at Beaver Stadium.

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Look for some action from Drew Allar at some point in the second half.

Prediction: Penn State 49, Northwestern 7