Penn State football: 3 season-defining games in 2022
The 2022 season will be a big test for James Franklin and Penn State football. Here are the three games that will define Penn State’s upcoming season.
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3. Purdue
In week one, Penn State football goes on the road to face a formidable Big Ten opponent: the Purdue Boilermakers. Unlike years past, Purdue comes into this season with high hopes–potentially competing for the Big Ten West division title.
In 2021, Purdue finished the season 9-4, one of the better records in the Big Ten, and returns much of its talent on both sides of the ball. With Jeff Brohm at the helm, Purdue football is sure to be a great week one challenge for Penn State, likely defining the first half of the Nittany Lions’ season.
While Penn State football boasts much more talent than Purdue, there is still some area for concern due to the Boilermakers’ history of upsets. Purdue has much experience, especially on offense. If Penn State football does not treat Purdue like a tier-one opponent, the Boilermakers could manage to escape with a win.
When playing Purdue, the biggest threat to Penn State will be the passing game. Purdue retains much of its receiving talent and arguably has the best quarterback in the Big Ten West: Aidan O’Connell. O’Connell will be entering his sixth season at Purdue after walking on in 2017.
In 2021, O’Connell led the Boilermakers to their best season in decades, going 9-4 with a win over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. O’Connell finished his 2021 season with a 71.6 completion percentage, 3,712 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Though Purdue lost its top receiver heading into 2022, the program still expects top-notch production from its offense– especially from its 6th-year quarterback.
With a few big question marks on Penn State’s defense, no one is sure what to expect from the Nittany Lions’ week one performance. The game will likely be close, but there is hope that significant strides can be made from the offense and the younger parts of Penn State’s defense.