Penn State vs Wisconsin: Prediction roundtable

Can Penn State football pick up a much-needed win over Wisconsin this weekend?

Penn State football suffered one of its worse losses over the past few seasons in Ann Arbor last week. The 42-7 beatdown was hard to watch and eliminated the Nittany Lions from a real shot at playing in a New Year’s Six Bowl. However, as bad as that loss was, James Franklin and his team need to regroup and get ready for the Badgers.

Wisconsin, like Penn State, is having a disappointing season with three losses already. A loss to BYU in Week 3 spoiled any big hopes of a spot in the College Football Playoff. However, unlike Penn State, the Badgers play in a weak division and still have a shot at winning the Big Ten West and going to play in the Big Ten Championship.

Heading into this game, the biggest concern for the Nittany Lions is the health of their star quarterback, Trace McSorley. He injured his leg during the win over Iowa, then looked like a shell of himself last week of Michigan. There hasn’t been any word on his health for this week, so that will be a storyline to watch.

Penn State’s offense, which started out as one of the most potent in the nation, has fallen on hard times over the past few weeks. Poor execution and questionable playcalling at times has suddenly made the Nittany Lions very bland on offense.

The Nittany Lions were torched on defense for over 200 yards on the ground last week against Michigan. That could spell bad news this week as Wisconsin is one of the best rushing teams in the nation.

Penn State and Wisconsin both desperately need a win this week, so expect a tough, hard-fought contest.

The VBR staff predictions haven’t done so well over the past few games, so let’s hope for some better outcomes against Wisconsin.