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

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

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) /

3 of 6

STATE COLLEGE, PA – AUGUST 31: Ricky Slade #3 of the Penn State Nittany Lions scores a touchdown against the Idaho Vandals during the first half at Beaver Stadium on August 31, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. No Running Back surpasses 100 yards

Penn State’s backfield dominated in the first week when it came to scoring. Each running back on the depth chart collected multiple scores. And even Nick Eury went in for six as well. Against Buffalo, the success wasn’t the same as the run game was stagnant.

In the eyes of James Franklin, the backfield situation still didn’t clear up. In other words, no running back has separated themselves from the pack quite yet. Ricky Slade has struggled, but it’s not like anybody has clearly surpassed him though either.

Pittsburgh’s run defense has done reasonably well up until this point. I believe Penn State will try to get the run going early, but a few stops may force them to go in the air again for the second week in a row. Don’t expect to see any 100 yards performances by Penn State backs — or even Pittsburgh backs for that matter. This will be a passing game.

Home/Penn State Football