By: Courtney Walsh
Beaver Stadium, with all its improvements, will be alive and well this Saturday as Penn State kicks off its 2025 season. With high expectations coming from all angles, the march to a spot in the College Football Playoff, and possibly a National Championship appearance. Taking care of the teams and games that they should win is the mark of a great team. Stomp them out early and allow the backups to gain valuable experience, which pays off in the long run. So what are the 3 keys to a fun, stress-free Saturday that ends with a 1-0 start? As six touchdown favorites, this should be a walk in the park, but any given Saturday.
Run, run, run, run
With the return of the dynamic duo back for another season, use them. Having Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen is a luxury any coach would love to have. The offensive line hit Nevada right in the mouth early. Only a matter of time before they give up and the floodgates open. This, of course, opens the play-action passing game, giving Drew a chance to start building that chemistry with his new WR group. Who among the transfer trio of Devonte Ross, Kyron Hudson, and Trebor Pena steps into a lead role early to be WR1? Games like this will have the number 2’s and 3’s getting some playing time and could show us a name we haven’t been talking about in the summer.
Welcome to PSU, Jim Knowles
After winning a Natty with Ohio State, Knowles decided to pack up and try his hand at improving a defense that features a ton of talent and depth. I can’t wait to see defensive lineman Dani Dennis-Sutton and linebacker Amare Campbell running all over the field. The strength starts in the back end and works its way up front. Nevada, I wish you the best of luck going up against this unit. Don’t be shocked if we see some mistakes early on as players get use to Knowles’ system. Just like on offense, we will get to see fresh faces hit the field and have an opportunity to make some plays.
In The End
I see this as a great game to give away your tickets if you have that family member or friend always asking you. A 6-touchdown spread says everything you need to know about how this will go. From seeing the return of players we know, to the new guys hitting the field for the first time. The 28-game winning streak against non-conference opponents will continue. Grab that new tailgate recipe you wanted to try or visit that new bar you have been eyeing. It is a new season, and we are set to start it off in style with a be win. 58-20 win #WeAre