Penn State Football: Predictions for the second half of the season

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 29: A view from field level before the start of the game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 29, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Penn State football made it to the bye week with a record of 4-1. What’s in store for the second half of the season?

The first five games have been a bit of a roller coaster for Penn State football. From needing overtime to avoid an upset against Appalachian State, to blowing a double-digit lead with eight minutes to go versus Ohio State, the 2018 season has had a bit of everything for the Nittany Lions.

Penn State was hoping to head into the bye week with an unblemished, 5-0 record, but a poor fourth quarter by the defense against the Buckeyes ruined those plans. Still being 4-1 and ranked No. 11 in the nation isn’t a bad position to be in.

Quarterback Trace McSorley has had a fantastic start to the season, throwing for 1,049 yards with 10 touchdowns and just two interceptions. Aside from just throwing the ball, McSorley has been a real threat running the ball, racking up 410 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

Penn State’s offense as a whole as been very potent, led by McSorley, running back Miles Sanders, and phenom wide receiver KJ Hamler.

On defense, the Nittany Lions have been inconsistent and plagued by poor tackling. Defensive coordinator Brent Pry has some extra work to do over the break as the Nittany Lions still have some tough offenses to face.

the bye week will go quickly for Coach Franklin and company, and then it will be time to get right back to preparing for the next game. Following the break, the Nittany Lions will host Michigan State for Homecoming.

Before the second half of the season kicks off for Penn State, the VBR staff takes some cracks at predicting a win total for the rest of the way.

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