Penn State Football: 3 players who could have a big day against Northwestern

S Ji’Ayir Brown

Last season’s takeaway king has only one interception this year, but No. 2 could be on the way this weekend for Ji’Ayir Brown.

Northwestern quarterback Ryan Hilinski has already thrown three interceptions this season. While this isn’t a terrible number, Northwestern has not faced a secondary like Penn State’s yet.

If the Nittany Lions get out to an early lead, and Mustipher and the defensive line shut down the run game, the ball will be put in Hilinski’s hands more frequently. This will give Brown and the rest of Penn State’s ball-hawking secondary more opportunities to make plays.

Keep in mind, if the conditions are wet, the ball could slip out of Hilinski’s hand and lead to bad throws.

In addition to possibly getting an interception, a sack may also be on the menu for Brown.

Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz has not been afraid to lineup his star safety on the line or let him blitz from his safety spot. Brown already has one sack this season.

With how good Skoronski is at left tackle, Diaz may try to overwhelm him with exotic looks and bring Brown on blitzes from different angles to confuse the offensive line. Skoronski may be able to hold his own, but Diaz will then prey on the other four linemen.

Brown’s versatility makes him a prime candidate for a big game on Saturday.