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Penn State Football: keys to success against Northwestern

By Nick Kreiser

Nov 7, 2015; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald and Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin speak after the game at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald and Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin speak after the game at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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Prior to their bye week, which will be followed by a season-defining three game stretch, Penn State Football has to take care of business against the Northwestern Wildcats this weekend.

Historically under Pat Fitzgerald, the Wildcats have been a gritty, tough, well-prepared football team that could and would compete and pull off upsets against teams more talented than them. However, the past couple years have not been so kind to the team from Evanston, IL.

Regardless of how the past year and a half has gone for that program, the thought of pulling off an upset win on the road over a ranked conference opponent, coupled with the news of a new stadium in the works, could be enough to spark this Northwestern squad in hopes to get their program trending back in a positive direction.

Here are three keys to success for Penn State Football to be able to avoid an upset, take care of business, and cruise to what should be a comfortable win.

Key to success #1 – minimize Evan Hull’s impact

STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Linebacker Curtis Jacobs #23 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after recovering a fumbled punt return by the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 24, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Linebacker Curtis Jacobs #23 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after recovering a fumbled punt return by the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 24, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Undoubtedly, the best player on the Northwestern offense–and perhaps their entire team–is running back Evan Hull.

He is a veteran with over 350 carries in his career, and was a 1,000-yard rusher last season.

So far this year, he has carried the ball 85 times for 370 yards (4.4 YPC) and three touchdowns. However, that’s not where he’s been most effective.

The Wildcats have used Hull as a receiver out of the backfield a ton so far this year, and through four games he has 29 receptions for 311 yards and a touchdown. He is not only the team’s leading rusher, but also their leading receiver.

While he certainly presents a challenge for Penn State’s run defense, the biggest test will be for the Nittany Lions’ linebackers in pass coverage on Hull: which is something that unit has struggled with from time to time this year.

For Northwestern to have a chance in this one, they’ll have to control the ball and control the clock. If they can get Evan Hull going, they’ll have an opportunity to do just that. Plus, it would be smart of Northwestern to try to use him a lot in the passing game in an effort to get the ball out of Ryan Hilinkski’s hands quick to counter Penn State’s pass rush.

There are certainly a lot of outstanding running backs in the Big Ten, but Evan Hull is one of the more well-rounded and underappreciated of the bunch.

The Nittany Lions are going to have to limit his impact this week if they hope to win in the fashion that they and the fans expect.

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