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Penn State at Purdue: Prediction Roundtable

By Barry Leonard Jr.

Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; A general view of Beaver Stadium during the third quarter between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Penn State defeated Ohio State 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; A general view of Beaver Stadium during the third quarter between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Penn State defeated Ohio State 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /
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What will the outcome be this week when Penn State travels to take on Purdue?

After last week’s huge upset of the Ohio State Buckeyes last week, head coach James Franklin and his team head on the road this week to take on the Purdue Boilermakers. Although the Nittany Lions are big favorites on paper, anything can happen, especially on the road.

Penn State is riding high after the huge win and will look to avoid an upset in this week’s trap game. A noon kickoff in a road game is never an easy environment.

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Purdue has traditionally been one of the worst teams in the Big Ten. However, the Boilermakers do boast the top passing attack in the conference. While they may put up some numbers through the air, the defense has had trouble stopping opponents this season.

How does the VBR staff thing things will go this week? Find out below.

Site Expert Barry Leonard Jr.

Riding high on the emotions of last week, it’s not impossible to think there could be a bit of a letdown in this one, especially early.

Despite coming out on top last week and looking good in the fourth quarter, the Penn State offense still has some issues. Trace McSorley has been inconsistent at times on his passes. The offensive line, though improved this year, still has lapses in which McSorley is faced with oncoming rushers.

Penn State needs to get more crisp on offense to finish out the year strong. However, the unit shouldn’t have too tough of a time finding success this week. Running back Saquon Barkley should  be licking his chops at the chance to go up against a defense that’s next to last in the Big Ten in rushing defense.

The biggest surprise from last week was the play of Penn State’s defense. Inspired by the return of Jason Cabinda and Brandon Bell, the unit will look to continue its strong play this week. Purdue will be able to put up some points through the air, but it won’t be enough.

It may start early, but the Penn State offense, and perhaps special teams, will be too much for the Boilermakers to handle.

Penn State 34
Ohio State 17

Contributor Marty Leap

This Saturday, the Nittany Lions will travel to West Lafayette to do battle with the Purdue Boilermakers. The Boilermakers are an inferior team to the Nittany Lions. However, Penn State must work to avoid a letdown on Saturday.

Penn State is coming off of one of the biggest wins in program history against Ohio State this past Saturday. That win came in front of an incredible atmosphere at a rocking Beaver Stadium. But what they will encounter on Saturday is a complete 180 from that.

Kick off is slated for noon Eastern time, so 11 AM in West Lafayette, lead to a letdown for the Nittany Lions. However, I am confident this team will not do that.

Penn State is much more talented than Purdue. Additionally, Penn State now has a lot to play for as they find themselves right in the thick of things in the Big Ten East. I also do not think Purdue will have any answer whatsoever for all the athletes Penn State has on offense.

A slow start from the Nittany Lions on Saturday would not surprise me at all. That said, they are a much more talented team. The Nittany Lions are finally healthy on defense, their offense is humming right along, and a 10-2 finish is a real possibility. But, for now, they take care of Purdue this weekend. Even if they do start sluggishly.

Penn State 35
Purdue 20

Contributor Shane Lunnen

Coming off a program-changing win against Ohio State last weekend, the Nittany Lions hit the road this week for the first and only time in October.  They will look to avoid a letdown and put away Purdue easily.

Boilermaker quarterback David Blough actually leads the Big Ten in passing yards, with just over 2000 thus far on the season, and has thrown 14 touchdowns.  Penn State’s defense, however, is coming off its best showing of the season so look for that to continue with them getting to Blough early.  If he gets rattled, he can make mistakes, as evidenced by the game earlier in the year against Cincinnati where he threw five interceptions.

On defense, Purdue is one of the worst in the country, especially against the run.  On the ground they have allowed 249 yards per game.  Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley could have big games with the continued use of the read option.

This game smells like a trap game with Penn State coming off the emotional, upset win last week.  Against Nebraska last Saturday, Purdue played with nothing to lose under interim head coach Gerad Parker and even built a four-point halftime lead before the Cornhuskers pulled away in the second half.

The same thing probably happens this week, with Penn State starting slow before dominating in the second half to win comfortably.  Let’s even predict Saquon Barkley gets over 150 yards and scores two touchdowns in the win.

Penn State 34
Purdue 17

Contributor Corey Hunter

The good news for the Lions is they have enough weapons in all three phases to overcome a slow start.

Look for Penn State to rely on the legs of Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley in this one, or at least until the Nittany Lions get their feet under them. Typically in road games Penn State becomes reserved and predictable. Expect heavy doses of running plays to Barkley and McSorley keepers. The Boilermakers possess one of the worst rush defenses in the conference.

The Boilermakers kept it close for a half at Nebraska last week. Perhaps the new coach, Gerard Parker, can find new ways to instill confidence in his young players.

Purdue does have some playmakers. Players like quarterback David Blough who leads the Big Ten in yards per game and total passing yards. Look for Penn State to continually send pressure. While he passes for lots of yards, he is also prone to turnovers. He is tied for the Big Ten lead with 11 INTs.

Next: 3 Nittany Lions to Watch at Purdue

In the end Penn State overcomes the sleepy start to eventually overwhelm Purdue. My score:

Penn State – 27
Purdue – 13

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