NFL
By: Courtney Walsh
Summer was FUN, but it’s time to get serious Penn State football is finally BACK! As we make plans for tailgating and try to get the perfect gameday outfit we have a game to play. The Nittany Lions face West Virginia to kick off the season and a few key matchups will be the key. Like I spoke about in my previous article expectations are high in Happy Valley. Now, onto the keys to the game.
Penn State’s Offensive Line vs. West Virginia’s Defensive Front
This is a critical matchup in this game can Penn State’s offensive line win against West Virginia’s defensive front? Can Penn State’s offensive line create enough protection for Drew Allar to make plays? Will West Virginia’s defensive line be able to generate enough pressure to disrupt Penn State’s passing game? This matchup will set the tone for the entire game. There is no doubt that the O Line is a strength and will be up for the challenge. The Mountaineers have a decent pass rush so shutting them down early is important. Sean Martin is the best lineman they have so making him a nonfactor is key. It would be great to see Allar get off to a hot start and settle into his new role. No one wants to see QB1 struggle in his first start and feel the weight of expectations.
West Virginia’s Wide Receivers vs. Penn State’s Secondary
West Virginia’s wide receivers going up against Penn State’s new-look secondary. Will West Virginia’s receivers be able to find open spaces and exploit Penn State’s defense? Penn State’s secondary should be able to effectively shut down West Virginia’s passing attack. Kalen King and company will look to get some turnovers and set the tone early. The new guys will look to show fans and coaches that they are ready for the big stage.
Penn State’s Running Backs vs West Virginia’s Linebackers
Nicholas Singleton and Kayton Allen set up everything for the offense, West Virginia will have its hands full trying to handle the duo. No way West Virginia’s linebackers will be able to contain Penn State’s rushing attack. They gave up 6.1 yards per play last season, which ranked outside the top 100 in the country. More importantly, they gave up 4.3 yards per carry and now they have to face one of the best one-two punch backfields in college football in Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. This matchup will heavily influence the pace and flow of the game. It will be a long day for WVU if we see 5-yard-plus gains every play but I won’t be mad about it.
With the fuel of a season opener at night and new faces coming to the light, this is a great setup for PSU. Could they have faced a tougher team? Yeah, sure but here we are and with one of the most talented rosters in years. From the battles in the trenches to the clashes between receivers and defensive backs, each individual matchup matters.
As the game unfolds, keep a close eye on these key matchups. Things could start off slow but at the end of the day, I see a 41-17 PSU victory and the start to a fun season. We have College Football Playoff dreams and with a one-game-at-a-time mindset, it is go time.
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