What it will take for P. State Football to upset the Badgers, and what Wisconsin must do to defeat the Nittany Lions in a huge Week 1 showdown
In this week’s “We Win If, They Win If” piece, we’ll look at one easy element that can help both Penn State Football and Wisconsin win Saturday’s Big Ten Conference opener.
Click here for the 3 Keys to Victory and Gameday Odds for additional Badger matchup information.
Let’s start with the visiting team, the Nittany Lions, our pride and pleasure.
Here are the most important factors for both Penn State and Wisconsin football.
If the Nittany Lions RUSH for more than 120 yards, Penn State Football wins.
What’s going on here?
With third-year starter Sean Clifford, who was just elected captain of the 2021 Nittany Lions, Penn State Football is expected to enjoy the passing edge.
In the preseason opener versus Buffalo, these are four Detroit Lions to keep an eye on.
Wisconsin’s offensive and defensive lines are well-known for their strength.
So, shouldn’t we anticipate a blue-and-white win via the air, particularly with Jahan Dotson, a possible first-round wide receiver?
The Lions have a dynamic backfield, with Noah Cain and Devyn Ford returning a lot of experience and carries, as well as Baylor transfer John Lovett and youngster Keyvone Lee and Caziah Holmes.
Clifford can also run with the football, as we know (as long as he holds onto the pigskin). However, there is rain in the forecast for Saturday, with a 40% chance of showers and 10 mph winds.
This might be the sort of game where, after you’ve taken the lead, rushing the ball for first downs and utilizing the time is the key to victory.
While James Franklin, the head coach of Penn State Football, has had a lot of success, one area where he has to improve is hanging on to late leads.
As a result, if Penn State rushes for more than 120 yards, they win… It doesn’t matter how many running backs (or quarterbacks) it takes to get there; that’s the Lions’ magic number!
Penn State Football wins if this happens … Wisconsin wins if that does
