Stopping Michael Penix Jr. a 'key factor' for Penn State, James Franklin says

When Indiana faced Penn State last year, Michael Penix Jr. went 19-for-36 yards for 170 yards and a touchdown in the air and a touchdown on the ground.

That’s why Penn State coach James Franklin said his group will have to start the Hoosiers QB in Saturday’s primetime matchup.

Franklin on Indiana QB Michael Penix Jr.: "He's a veteran that's played a lot of football for them…That's gonna be a key factor in this game — how well he plays and how consistently we can get to him."

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) September 28, 2021

Penix Jr. is averaging 205.3 yards per game this season, but has completed 55% of his passes, which ranks 2nd-worst in the B1G. He’s been kind of boom-or-bust for Tom Allen’s Hoosiers this year, though.

In Indiana’s 2 wins this season, Penix Jr. has completed 46-of-69 passes (66.7%) for 441 yards and 2 touchdowns. But in the Hoosiers’ 2 losses, those numbers are 31-for-71 passing (43.6%) for 380 yards and 2 touchdowns. If Penn State can contain Penix Jr., the Nittany Lions have an even stronger chance of victory.

We’ll see what happens Saturday night when the two teams face off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.