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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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Sep 24, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Johnny Dixon (3) intercepts the ball intended for Central Michigan Chippewas wide receiver Carlos Carriere (2) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Johnny Dixon (3) intercepts the ball intended for Central Michigan Chippewas wide receiver Carlos Carriere (2) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

Key to success #2 – continue to dominate the turnover battle

This of course is obvious and a key to success in any football game at any level, but if Penn State Football wins the turnover battle in this one, Northwestern’s chances at pulling off an upset are next to zero.

The Nittany Lions have a +8 turnover margin so far this season, which is fourth in the country and second best among Power Five teams (USC if first). That statistic is one of the primary reasons for their fast start to the season, and if it continues this week, they will give themselves a great opportunity to win this one by a wide margin.

Turnovers become more of a factor with the impending weather, as the teams that to a better job of holding onto the ball and battling the elements will give themselves the best chance to win.

I would be shocked if Penn State’s defense doesn’t have at least one interception and one forced fumble, so a lot of this falls on the offense. If the quarterbacks continue to play turnover-free football and the ball carriers continue to keep the pigskin secure, things should go according to plan.

I don’t see a scenario where Penn State Football loses this game if they win the turnover margin by at least two.

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