Penn State Embarks on Road Test at Wisconsin Under the Lights

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Mason Eddinger | October 24, 2024

ALL PHOTO CREDIT TO PAUL BURDICK SPORTS IMAGES

  In potentially their toughest road test yet, the #3 Penn State Nittany Lions travel to Madison Wisconsin to take on the Wisconsin Badgers.

Penn State was Idle last week after their trip to USC. In that game, Penn State started down 20-6. In the 2nd half, the offense picked up momentum and could not be stopped. Tyler Warren had one of the best games in college football history for a tight end, as he went for 17 catches, 224 yards, and 1 touchdown. Penn State successfully put the first-half woes behind them and escaped with a win 2 weeks ago, they are hoping to avoid having to come back once again this week.

Penn State has played 2 road games up until this point, West Virginia and USC. Although Morgantown was electric in week 1, the consensus is that Camp Randall Saturday night will be the toughest road game of the season for Penn State. The 80,000+ seat stadium ranks 7th in the BIG 10 in capacity and is one of the loudest venues in the country. Whether it’s “Jump Around” at the beginning of the 4th quarter or the constant noise fluctuating throughout the game, Penn State will have their hands full battling the noise on Saturday.

Regarding the Badgers, 2024 has been somewhat of a disappointment. With Luke Fickell’s arrival in 2023, Badger fans expected them to be a constant feature in the top 25, but that has not happened. They suffered back-to-back 3-score+ losses to Alabama and USC back in September. Since then, they’ve dominated. Although against lesser opponents in Purdue, Rutgers, and Northwestern, Wisconsin has looked incredible. In the 3-game span, they have allowed a total of 16 points, while scoring 117 themselves. This defensive improvement has boosted the Badgers to 13th in the Nation in scoring defense. The last 3 games have been impressive, but I am not sold. In their 2 games against teams comparable to PSU (Alabama, USC), they couldn’t stop a nosebleed. Across those contests, they let up an average of 40 points per game. With Drew Allar throwing for almost 400 yards against USC, look for #15 to have a nice day passing against a Wisconsin defense that has questions.

Whether it’s Gordon, Taylor, or Allen, Wisconsin is known for its Runningbacks, and this year is no different. Tawee Walker has run for 565 yards on just over 100 carries. Penn State’s incredible defensive line will need to keep Walker in check all day to experience success.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

Tyler Warren, Tyler Warren, Tyler Warren: Penn State will need to continue to utilize the best Tight End in the Nation, but other avenues might open up on Saturday. With Wisconsin terrified of Warren’s ability, expect lighter boxes and the running game to establish itself again. Also, virtually every WR will be able to have 1v1 coverage in the game with the threat of Warren, so look for Fleming, Clifford, or Wallace to make big plays.

Ready for Camp Randall? Penn State has been babied by road crowds in 2024. Their only “tough” crowd was way back in week 1 against West Virginia, how will they play in front of a hostile night crowd?

Need a fast start: Penn State has been subject to lackluster starts this year. Against USC, they trailed by multiple scores in the first half. Even against lesser opponents like UCLA, they failed to get early points on the board. It will do wonders to get a fast start and play conservatively to escape with a sweat-free win.

PREDICTION: #3 PENN STATE 21 WISCONSIN 10

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