Penn State vs Rutgers: Prediction roundtable

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 21: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes for a 69 yard touchdown in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines on October 21, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Barry Leonard, Co-Site Expert

Okay, so I’ve been way off the last two weeks. Maybe I was drinking the Kool-Aid, but after watching the Nittany Lions destroy Michigan in person I really didn’t think anything could stop this team. I honestly felt Penn State would beat both Ohio State and Michigan State by double-digits, even on the road.

So, that obviously didn’t work out. Fortunately, it’s a new week. Even better — it’s Rutgers up next. I know, I know, the Scarlet Knights have been a surprise this year with their three Big Ten wins, but I’m not convinced. The injury bug has hit Rutgers hard, especially in the secondary. It’s possible that some wide receivers could find time in the defensive secondary.

The poor Rutgers defense present a golden opportunity for the Penn State offense to get back on track. I think Trace McSorley has a big day through the air in this one. I think that Saquon Barkley will have an even bigger day considering that the Scarlet Knights have surrendered nearly 180 yards per game on the ground.

A huge day in the stats department is just what Barkley needs to get back to the top of the race for the Heisman Trophy.

Penn State’s defense was torched through the air the last two weeks, but Rutgers is dead last in the Big Ten with an average of just 127 yards a game in the air. Look for defensive coordinator Brent Pry to have his defense ready to bounce back in this one.

I’d normally predict a slow start after two road games, but I think Penn State is angry and will waste no time getting its frustration out on the Scarlet Knights. Look for a big day all around from the Nittany Lions.

Penn State 55
Rutgers 10

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