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

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 29: KJ Hamler #1 of the Penn State Nittany Lions can’t make the catch against Isaiah Pryor #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 29, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Barry Leonard, Co-Site Expert

The loss to Ohio State before the bye week will sting for a while, especially considering that the Nittany Lions are now likely blocked out of the Big Ten Championship game. However, head coach James Franklin and the coaching staff need to do their best to put that game behind them and get ready for the second part of the season.

Everyone knew that, starting with the Ohio State game, Penn State’s schedule would turn brutal. Several matchups with ranked teams remain, starting with next week against Michigan State. Games with Michigan, Wisconsin, and an always-tough Iowa squad also loom in the future.

As far as predicting the rest of the season, I do feel that there are plenty of positives sill to come for the Nittany Lions. The offense will continue to be one of the most potents units in the nation. Quarterback Trace McSorley — who has been fantastic through five games — will be firmly in the conversation for the Heisman Trophy by the end of the season.

Freshman receiver KJ Hamler has been a huge surprise, and while he won’t catch any teams by surprise the rest of the year, his speed will prove too difficult for opposing defenses to defend.

The defense has struggled to start the year, but seemed to figure things out against the run in the Ohio State game. That will need to continue to improve in the second half. The defense as a whole has suffered from tackling issues. If those do not get fixed, it could be a long end to the season for the Nittany Lions.

Fortunately, I think there’s enough talent there, and Brent Pry is great coach, meaning that they’ll figure it out.

I’m predicting wins for the remaining home games — Michigan State, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Maryland. Of course, there will be some tight ones in there, but the home field advantage will help.

The game that appears to be the most difficult is the trip to Michigan. I truly feel that the Wolverines are still overrated, particularly on offense. In what will prove to be one of Penn STate’s best wins of the season, the Nittany Lions will roll out of Ann Arbor with a huge victory.

Call me a homer, call me anything you want, but this Penn State team is still one of the best in the country. An overall record of 11-1 and a trip to a major bowl game await the Nittany Lions at the end of the season.

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