Penn State Football: Predicting the outcome of each game this season

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 18: John Samuel Shenker #47 of the Auburn Tigers is stopped by Joey Porter Jr. #9 and Jaquan Brisker #1 of the Penn State Nittany Lions near the two yard line during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 18, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Week 3: At Auburn

After what should be an easy home game, the Nittany Lions will once again take to the road for another big matchup.

On Sept. 17, Penn State will head down to Auburn.

The Nittany Lions defeated the Tigers 28-20 last season.

Auburn had an off-season full of turmoil. Quarterback Bo Nix transferred and some higher ups at the school considered firing coach Bryan Harsin.

Despite this, Auburn will still be a tough team, especially at home in the Alabama heat.

They are led by the running back duo of Tank Bigsby and Jarques Hunter. These two combined for 1,692 yards and 13 touchdowns last year. The rest of Auburn’s offense is a question mark as a quarterback battle between T.J. Finley and Zach Calzada continues.

Auburn’s defense should be a good challenge for Penn State’s offensive line. Defensive end Derick Hall returns, he had nine sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss last season. Talented linebacker Owen Pappoe was limited to just five games last season but looks poised for a breakout in 2022.

Auburn is a little weaker on the back end of the defense, so if Sean Clifford is given time, his receivers should be able to make plays. Stopping Hall and fellow starter Andrew Leota will not be easy though.

Prediction: PSU 21 Auburn 24

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