The Penn State Nittany Lions (4-1, 1-0) will round out a five-game home series on Saturday against the Indiana Hoosiers (1-3) at 12 p.m. The nationally televised game will air live on ESPN.
Fast Facts: This is Penn State’s 96th annual Homecoming game and the fifth of its seven home games this season. Head coach James Franklin is looking forward to welcoming back the extended Penn State family this weekend.
“We really appreciate the support of the students and especially all of the alums who will be coming back to Happy Valley this weekend from all over the country.”
This is the 19th time that the two teams have met since 1993 when Penn State joined the Big Ten Conference. Penn State holds the edge 17-1 and 8-0 at home.
Penn State is currently ranked eighth in the nation with a plus-1.60 turnover margin.
Last Week: Penn State is coming off of a 20-14 win against Army in cold and soggy conditions last Saturday. Despite the absence of Akeel Lynch and Saquon Barkley, key point-scorers for the Lions’ offense, Penn State used a strong defensive presence and a career outing from linebacker Jason Cabinda to hold off the Knights. Cabinda, who recorded 14 tackles, and defensive end Carl Nassib continue to be an intimidating wall for opposing offenses to break through.
Offensively, the Lions picked up touchdowns from both Mike Gesicki and redshirt freshman Nick Scott. Joey Julius also nailed two field goals in the win.
Indiana is coming off a close loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes last Saturday, falling by just seven points in a 34-27 heartbreaker. The Hoosiers rushed for more than 400 yards, which will provide a challenge to the Lions’ defense.
What to Watch For:
Despite the depleted linebacker force – the Nittany Lions are missing Nyeem Wartman-White (out for the season) and Brandon Bell – Jason Cabinda and Troy Reeder have stepped up tremendously for Penn State, leading to a No. 18 ranking in total defense and scoring defense for the Lions.
Last week’s season-long 49-yard pass from quarterback Christian Hackenberg to Chris Godwin set a new emphasis on offensive passing for Penn State. Franklin has promised more consistency from the offensive line and if passes like that can continue, Penn State may be on its way.
Offensively for Indiana, quarterback Nate Sudfield is 87-of-147 for 1,277 yards with seven touchdowns with one interception this season. His favorite target is Ricky Jones, who has 21 catches, 446 yards, and three touchdowns under his belt through five games this season. Jordan Howard, a junior running back is the nation’s top rushing leader with 3,177 yards since 2010.
Indiana’s defensive line is solid as well; they have nailed out 12 sacks on the season so far. This presents a challenge to the Nittany Lions’ offensive line, who have already allowed 14 sacks on Hackenberg. Linebacker T.J. Simmons and defensive end Nick Mangieri lead the charge for the Hoosier defense.
Around the Nittany Network:
- The women’s field hockey team will have its first ever Whiteout game against eighth-ranked Maryland on Friday.
- The women’s soccer team topped Maryland and earned their fifth shutout of the year against the Terps on Thursday.
- The No. 21 men’s golf team will head down south to participate in the 18th annual Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate.
- The No. 3 women’s volleyball team received their first loss of the year, but will head to Illinois in their first Big Ten road trip.
Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m. and the game will be available on ESPN.
Photo Credit: GoPSUSports.com
