BSD Staff Predictions Roundtable: Wisconsin

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Following a solid win over Buffalo to complete the non-conference schedule, Penn State welcomes Wisconsin to start Big Ten play. How does the staff see this one playing out?

Chris

Aside from some nitpicky things, Penn State showed a lot of improvement against Buffalo. The run game finally got going, with the passing and defense playing well also. I expect we’ll see a balanced game against the Badgers, with a larger workload for James Peoples and Quentin Martin than in the first two weeks.

With Koby Howard out, Zay Robinson (and potentially Quentin Martin) will have to step up in the passing game, especially if the Badgers instead focus on Ben Brahmer and Chase Sowell. Rocco Becht is savvy enough to pick them apart whoever they decide to cover, and just when the passing game starts taking over and the defense backs off, the run game rips off some big chunks.

Penn State 31, Wisconsin 17

Lando

Here we go. Big Ten opener against a Wisconsin team that I personally thought would be a little bit more talented this year. Of course, with the exception of a 28-point loss to Notre Dame in Week 1, the Badgers have rolled in two games against lesser competition. Because this is an (early) evening contest in Beaver Stadium, I think the Nittany Lions assert their dominance with both lines. Quinton Martin has another solid outing with the loss of Koby Howard, and the defense collects at least one turnover. It’ll be closer than the last three weeks, but no breath-holding in this one.

Penn State 28, Wisconsin 17

Patrick

I think there’s an argument that Wisconsin is the best team on Penn State’s schedule outside of the trio of USC, Michigan, and Washington. Fortunately for the Nittany Lions though, that’s not saying much because the other contenders are teams like Northwestern, Minnesota, and Maryland — three teams who would be thrilled just to go 8-4 this year.

The Badgers have a good defense that should keep them in the game throughout. Offensively, that might be a different story. Wisconsin should have a good running game headlined by Iowa State transfer running back Abu Sama (missed last week’s game but he should be good to go this Saturday) and quarterback Colton Joseph, but I’m not sure the Badgers have the passing attack to really stretch Penn State vertically. Because of that, the Nittany Lions should feel comfortable stacking the box and limiting the Badgers ground game as much as they can.

This will be a nice test for Penn State and a legitimate step up in competition. Still, I think Penn State gets it done.

Penn State 24, Wisconsin 13

Bennett

The Koby Howard news changes some of the math, but I still think Penn State has enough in reserve to make some explosive plays and at least get to the red zone. I have concerns about Penn State settling for field goals against teams that can score more points. But, that’s a future Penn State problem. I think the Lions find enough points to win what is a pseudo Beaver Stadium night game.

Penn State 23, Wisconsin 13

Tim

No doubt the Koby Howard news sucks, but if he was the difference between winning and losing this Saturday, then this team ain’t anything like it’s been hyped up to be. Time for Chase Sowell, Zay Robinson, Brett Eskildsen, and/or Ben Brahmer to step up on the receiving front. This is also a great opportunity for Quinton Martin to ball out and assert himself as RB1 for the good guys going forward. Colton Joseph has the ability to hurt teams with his feet and (potentially) his arm, but he’s also prone to inaccuracy and making ill-advised throws that are just ripe for the picking (speaking of which, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a pick-six from this PSU secondary). Look for the Badgers to hang tough for a while, but I think PSU still has the talent advantage to ultimately start pulling away in second half. Plus, with the 5:00 kick and Helmet Stripe dress code in the stands, it will be a pseudo-night game White Out-type atmosphere.

Penn State 34, Wisconsin 16

Eli

Finally, I get to say words because the opponent is not a tomato can! Wisconsin gave Notre Dame everything it could handle for a half, before depth won over in the end. Penn State doesn’t have the kind of depth Notre Dame enjoy as of late, but what they will have is the home field advantage. As long as the Lions can contain Colton Joseph, this game should follow a pretty similar script to that of the Irish in week one.

Penn State 56, Wisconsin 17

Jared

(First appearing in the Game Preview)

It’s hard to know what to expect from a Penn State team that has looked great, yet remain untested. On the other hand, Wisconsin is still a bit of a mystery. They hung with Notre Dame into the third quarter before eventually falling apart. They also had an extremely slow start against Eastern Michigan before eventually pulling away.

The Nittany Lions seem to have the advantage when you examine how they match up. Penn State has been extremely stingy on defense, and the Badgers may not have the explosiveness to avoid driving the length of the field for points. While the Badgers defense may make things difficult for the Nittany Lions at times, Becht should be able to produce enough throwing to a variety of pass catchers (even without Howard in the lineup), with a reliable running game that seems to be coming into its own. I’m not expecting a blowout, but it should be a satisfying victory with just enough tension to make it interesting.

Penn State 28, Wisconsin 13

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