Penn State Football: keys to success against the Auburn Tigers

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 10: Curtis Jacobs #23 of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts before a play against the Ohio Bobcats during the first half at Beaver Stadium on September 10, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Key to success on defense – limit the Auburn rushing attack

We typically do two offensive and two defensive keys to success for each game, but this week, this will be the only key to success on defense. That isn’t to say that the Nittany Lions don’t need to play well in other facets on defense, because they do; but the way things look, if Penn State can shut down Auburn’s running game, the Tigers’ offense will be lucky to reach double digits.

Auburn is led by an outstanding duo in Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter at running back, both of which possess the capabilities to take over a game. Plus, backup quarterback Robby Ashford is also a dangerous runner that needs to be accounted for when he’s in the game.

So far this season, Penn State Football is allowing just 3.3 yards per carry, but none of the ball carriers they’ve faced so far are as good as Bigsby and Hunter; so it remains to be seen how well this defense can perform against good (or in this case great) rushing attacks.

The good news is that the Nittany Lions don’t need to be able to completely shut down the Tigers on the ground, they just need to limit and contain them.

If Penn State can avoid giving up too many long runs and get the Tigers’ offense behind schedule, forcing them to have to go to the air, I can’t imagine Auburn scoring more than 14-17 points at most.

It’s simple for Penn State this week. Limit Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter, and you’ll come home 3-0.

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