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Penn State vs. Pitt: 5 Predictions for Nittany Lions Week 3

By Justin Grasso

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 07: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions lays in the end zone after running 59 yards and being tackled at the one yard line against the Buffalo Bulls during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 07, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 07: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions lays in the end zone after running 59 yards and being tackled at the one yard line against the Buffalo Bulls during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 07, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – AUGUST 31: Colton Richardson #19 of the Idaho Vandals is sacked by Antonio Shelton #55, Garrett Taylor #17 and Robert Windsor #54 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Beaver Stadium on August 31, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – AUGUST 31: Colton Richardson #19 of the Idaho Vandals is sacked by Antonio Shelton #55, Garrett Taylor #17 and Robert Windsor #54 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Beaver Stadium on August 31, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

1. Penn State’s defense holds Pitt to under 17 points

I wasn’t in the meeting room when Penn State’s defense watched game film from last week against Buffalo. But I can’t imagine that anybody was thrilled with their first-half performance against the Bulls. The Lions defensive line is one of the most explosive units on the team, and they were contained throughout a good portion of the game.

You better believe they are coming with a vengeance this week — especially considering the interest of this matchup. We saw the defense step it up in the second half last week, but they must still be hungry. Pittsburgh might be Penn State’s toughest opponent to date, but that doesn’t necessarily mean much.

Penn State is the superior opponent here. And Pitt’s offense hasn’t necessarily been that great in their first two weeks. Against the 25th ranked Virginia Cavaliers, Pitt put up just 14 points in four quarters. Against Ohio last week, they won but only managed to score 20. I’d be surprised if they can get 17 on the Lions offense, but they won’t score any more than that. Book it.

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