Expert score prediction: Nebraska vs. Penn State
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Nebraska football hits the road this weekend to face the Penn State Nittany Lions in Happy Valley. This matchup looks to be a unique one for both sides after a wild start to the season. Heading into the season, this appeared to be arguably the Huskers' toughest test of the year. Now, it’s a test to see what both teams can still do heading into the final two weeks of the regular season.
Penn State’s season took a trip through the ringer, going from a No. 2 rank to a 4-6 team fighting for a bowl game. The Nittany Lions need to win out to achieve that, but they face the Huskers on Senior Night and Rutgers next week. Nebraska, meanwhile, stands at 7-3 and is coming off a bye week after surviving a 28-21 outing against the UCLA Bruins.
But the records don’t shape this matchup. Since the firing of James Franklin, Penn State has continued to bring the fight, aside from its 38-14 loss to Ohio State. First, the Nittany Lions came up short against a strong Iowa front, before almost pulling off an upset against Indiana, were it not for the literal catch of the year. Then they snapped their six-game losing streak while Nebraska rested on a bye, taking down Michigan State 28-10.
The Huskers’ bye week added unpredictability to their offense, which, combined with their strong run game, led to their 28-point, 334-yard outing against UCLA. TJ Lateef put together an impressive first start at the collegiate level, being efficient in a run-heavy, quick-pass game, allowing him to avoid a single sack.
But now he goes up against a Nittany Lions front that’s tallied eight sacks across the last two games. Penn State earned three against Indiana and five against Michigan State. Through the previous four games, the Nittany Lions’ defense is also averaging 182.5 passing yards on 16.5 completions and just over 24 throws. Lateef could produce another solid outing, but Penn State will make it anything but easy.
The Nittany Lions are also allowing just 154.5 rushing yards on 29.5 carries through the span, which could lead to another big night from Emmett Johnson. He remains the workhorse for Nebraska’s offense, but he is going to be dealing with a more formidable defense than UCLA. Nebraska and Johnson ran into brick walls that were Michigan and Minnesota, but it’s tough to say if Penn State can act as another one.
However, the Nittany Lions’ run game can make this game a long night for Nebraska. Kaytron Allen is averaging 112.5 yards on just over 23 carries across the last four games. He scorched the Spartans’ defense, rushing for 181 yards on 25 carries.
Nebraska’s defense is a bend-don’t-break group, but it’s allowed massive plays as well, primarily on the ground, so it can’t let anything get by. The Blackshirts also need to be cautious of Ethan Grunkemeyer, who is averaging 146 passing yards on 16 completions and 25 throws in the last four games.
This is another toss-up. Either side can deliver a big win or suffer a tough loss. But Penn State’s run game and its stingy defense may just be enough to give it the edge.
Score Prediction: Penn State 27, Nebraska 17
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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Expert score prediction: Nebraska vs. Penn State
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