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

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Kalil Pimpleton of Central Michigan University, evades a tackle by Washington State University’s Nick Haberer during the 87th Annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at University of Texas El Paso Sun Bowl Stadium on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. Michigan won the game 24-21.Sun Bowl1201 /

Week 4: Vs Central Michigan

Penn State will return home on Sept. 24 for a battle with Central Michigan.

Central Michigan is not a pushover like Ohio might be.

The Chippewas went 9-4 last year and return talented quarterback Daniel Richardson. Richardson completed 60.4% of his passes for 2,633 yards and 24 touchdowns, compared to six interceptions, last year.

Richardson is not Central Michigan’s best offensive player though. That title goes to running back Lew Nichols, who rushed for 1,848 yards and 16 touchdowns last year. He also caught 40 passes for 338 yards and two touchdowns.

On defense, the Chippewas were middle of the pack, averaging 25.8 points per game allowed. The Nittany Lions will have to take advantage on this side of the ball in order to put this game away.

Central Michigan’s top tackler from last year, Gage Kreski, is gone, as is the top sack and tackle for loss recorder from last year, Troy Hairston. This group will likely take a step back.

There may be some moans from the stands early in this one, but Penn State’s depth will eventually prove to be too much.

Prediction: PSU 38 CMU 17

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