PITT AND THE PENN.
NITTANY LIONS LOOK TO SHAKE OFF WEEK 1 SCARE, BATTLE PANTHERS
KEYS FOR PENN STATE
Help McSorley. Quarterback Trace McSorley made the big plays when he needed to as the Nittany Lions held off underdog Appalachian State 45-38 in overtime last week. McSorley, who completed
21 of 36 passes for 230 yards, forced OT with a 15-yard touchdown pass to KJ Hamler with 42 seconds left. Despite McSorley’s grace under pressure, Penn’s State undeveloped offense looked vulnerable. Make defensive stops. Despite playing in front of a partisan home crowd of more than 105,000 the Nittany Lions failed to slow down the Mountaineers in the fourth quarter, allowing Appalachian State to score 28 points to erase a 24-10 deficit. A young Penn State defense allowed 451 yards of total offense.
KEYS FOR PITTSBURGH
Spread the ball. Much like Penn State, Pittsburgh’s offense is still relatively unrefined and still experiencing growing pains, but its run game was the catalyst in the Panthers’ 33-7 season-opening win against Albany. Seven different rushers combined for 238 yards on the ground. Senior running Qadree Ollison amassed a game-high 73 yards on seven carries to lead the attack.
Ride Pickett. Sophomore quarterback Kenny Pickett accounted for 154 yards through the air, threw three touchdowns and ran for a score against the Great Danes. The up-and-comer still has a lot to learn under center, but his perfect first half, in which he completed 13 of 13 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown, demonstrated a poise that coach Pat Narduzzi expects to see from his starter.
PREDICTION
Penn State 35, Pittsburgh
24. The Nittany Lions survived last week’s scare, but they face another daunting challenge in rival Pittsburgh. The overtime win doesn’t instill a ton of confidence, but if Penn State hopes to be relevant in the Big Ten and nationally, is will need to take care of business against their ACC opponent.