Northwestern HC Previews Penn State Game on Friday Night

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Penn State has a very interesting game coming up against Northwestern, one many think could be one of the tougher games on the college football slate. 

There's a lot to like about what Penn State has done against Northwestern in the past, but this is a much different team and a better Northwestern squad than usual. 

Northwestern is typically one of the bottom feeders in the Big Ten, though, if we're being honest for a bit, Penn State really hasn't been that good over the past two seasons. 

That's a problem in itself and raises questions about this game. As the Nittany Lions get ready to take on Northwestern out in Chicago, this will also be Northwestern's first game in its new stadium.

There's plenty of reason to think Northwestern will come out and do what it has to do on both sides of the ball to at least compete in this game. 

If Penn State doesn't do what's needed on both sides of the ball, problems will follow, and that could lead to another loss that would be absolutely unnecessary on its record. 

Speaking to reporters, it sounds like Northwestern is ready to go, too. However, the Wildcats also have a lot of respect for what Penn State has done, including new head coach Matt Campbell.

“They’re really versatile. … Coach Campbell’s background is an offensive line guy, and Coach Mouser and Ryan Clanton, their offensive line coach — they do a really good job, specifically to the tight ends [use]. They just find ways. There’s three tight ends on the field and they’re in a big formation that indicates run and they utilize play action out of it.

“All of a sudden they’re empty, they’re using big frames, athletic bodies that are big targets. Like, they give you a lot of different things to defend in the same personnel grouping and it requires versatility within that tight end room, which is unique. You’re not seeing that every week, and I don’t think there’s anyone in the country that’s done a better job of that than these guys, whether it be now at Penn State or their time at Iowa State,” Northwestern head coach David Braun said, per Centre Daily.

Everybody keeps saying really good things about Campbell, which is a step in the right direction and a good sign for Penn State. However, ultimately, coaches saying nice things about Campbell won't help Penn State win or lose games. 

This also shows Northwestern has a lot of respect for Penn State's head coach, so they're doing a lot to prepare for this game. This game felt like a trap game after the loss to Wisconsin, but now I hope Penn State comes out and takes care of business, since there's no reason to be unprepared for a game like this.

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