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Penn State Football wins if this happens … Wisconsin wins if that does

By Evan Smith

Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on during the Penn State spring practice at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Alberti-USA TODAY Sports
Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on during the Penn State spring practice at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Alberti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wisconsin’s Jack Sanborn (57) and Wisconsin’s Noah Burks (41) bring down Indiana’s David Ellis (Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK)
Wisconsin’s Jack Sanborn (57) and Wisconsin’s Noah Burks (41) bring down Indiana’s David Ellis (Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK) /

Wisconsin wins if – Graham Mertz keeps the ball off the turf … and out of the Lions’ hands

Wisconsin is a team known for stout lines, running backs and a million tight ends that all look the same.  One area they’re not known for is the quarterback position, with the transferring in of Russell Wilson III notwithstanding.

Graham Mertz, the projected starter, isn’t exactly RWIII, or even John Stocco (who, surprisingly is out of eligiblity, same to for Jared Abbrederis).  He’s only thrown 203 passes in his Badger career, with 9 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.  Wisconsin will win if Mertz does not turn the ball over.

Seems simple right?

But, Penn State Football should be strong enough on defense to force Mertz to make a play.  If the Lions jump out to an early lead, Mertz will be forced to sling the ball all around Camp Randall Stadium, giving the Lions all kinds of opportunites to take the ball away.  Mertz will be a game manager, but if he can do that well, knowing a three and out with a punt isn’t the worst thing, he could ride that home crowd to likely his biggest win in his Wisconsin career.

Hot. Penn State Football's 3 keys to beating Wisconsin. light

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