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Penn State vs. Wisconsin: 3 keys to victory vs. Wisconsin

By Lawrence Santa Maria

Penn State Nittany Lion players run onto the field prior to the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan State 39-24. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Penn State Nittany Lion players run onto the field prior to the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan State 39-24. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Penn State Football
Penn State Nittany Lions offensive linesman Michal Menet (Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports) /

2. Penn State Football’s Offensive Line vs Wisconsin’s Front Seven 

The Badgers return eight starters on defense, including seven of their top eight tacklers however their defensive line is where they have some turnover and could be a bit vulnerable early in the season.

Wisconsin ranked No. 5 in the country against the run last season, allowing only 96 yards per game on the ground, all be it in a shortened Covid effected season. They will be breaking in two new starters along the defensive line, which could make stopping the Nittany Lions run game a challenge.

It will be up to Penn State Football’s offensive line to keep quarterback Sean Clifford upright, and pave the way for their talented group of running backs led by Noah Cain who missed all of last year with an achilles injury.

The consensus this offseason is that the Nittany Lions will go as Clifford goes, which is generally true for all teams and quarterbacks at this level, however he is not out there by himself. Fans have been waiting for this offensive line to finally turn a corner under Franklin, and the hope is this year with a full offseason under the watchful eye of offensive line coach Phil Trautwein, those hopes will come to fruition.

The offensive line took a big step last season when Caedan Wallace was inserted at right tackle, and guard Juice Scruggs got more playing time. They did allow a Big Ten high 29 sacks last season, but 20 of those came in the team’s five game loosing streak, surrendering only eight over the final four game wining streak to end the year.

If the line can keep Badger defenders off of Clifford and give him time to operate, while allowing for any type of efficient ground game against a stout run defense, Penn State Football could put up more points than some expect on Saturday.

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