Penn State takes on its final non-conference opponent, as the Villanova Wildcats come to town. How does the staff see this one playing out?
Chris
As mentioned in this week’s MMQB, I have some concerns. Notably that the run game continues to an issue, and that the offensive line isn’t performing nearly as well as they did at the end of last season. It’s possible that it’s an intensity issue, or that there are some tweaks being made in communications, blocking style, etc., but whatever it is, it’s holding back the offense. Villanova seems like an opponent that can help to address those issues, as they are a FCS team – albeit one of the best FCS teams. I do expect the ground game to get some more attention from the coaches, while Allar and Co. continue to stretch out the new WR muscles.
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Penn State gets on the board early, and holds a fairly comfortable lead at the half. Unlike last week, the backups do get a decent run of playing time, but once again the depth players allow a late score (or two).
Penn State 45, Villanova 17
Lando
After the offensive performance against FIU, I would be genuinely shocked if everyone didn’t at least have some concerns about the offensive line and running game to this point in the season. Will this be the game both of those units right the ship? Villanova is not a cupcake-level FCS team, and while the Nittany Lions should win handily, it won’t be as comfortable as the majority of the fan base will like. The Nittany Lions lead the whole way, but don’t blow out the Wildcats by as much as the pundits and diehards want.
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Penn State 42, Villanova 10
Tim
All I want to see is an offense that plays like a fire was lit under their collective behinds and asserts their will like a supposed Top 5 FBS program should against even a pretty good FCS program. I want Drew Allar looking sharper and in a good head space, I want Nicholas Singleton to stop thinking so much and just hit that wide open hole for a big run, and I want the O-line knocking Villanova’s defenders on their asses like it’s EA Sports College Football 26 and play like the unit we saw in the latter half of last season. Anything to give us positive vibes going into the bye week before the first big test of the season against Oregon.
Penn State 45, Villanova 10
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Bennett
Another week. Another dress rehearsal that will leave some fans terrified, some media members questioning Penn State’s place in the college football world, and most everyone else (players included) just saying, “Let’s get to Oregon.” I’d like to see Penn State finish some more drives early. I’d love to see Singleton have a big game. I’d like the defense to stay healthy and for some more linebackers to get involved. Whatever happens though, it will be good to get this portion of the season behind us.
Penn State 48, Villanova 7
Colin
Penn State should roll in this one, although Villanova is one of the better FCS teams. When the Wildcats came to Beaver Stadium in 2021, they shut down Penn State’s ground game, portending the struggles the run game would have for the rest of the season. There are similar grumblings about the run game this year, and if the Nittany Lions are for real this year, they will need to assert themselves early and often. I think at this point everyone is ready to get to the more challenging portion of the schedule, especially seeing how other top teams around the country have already played better competition by Week 3 than Penn State has. Penn State will be 1-0 this week, and then we’re on to Oregon.
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Penn State 52, Villanova 7
Jared
(First appearing in the Game Preview)
Villanova is the #11-ranked FCS team and is coming off a playoff apperance. They should not be taken lightly, as we often see a handful of teams from the FCS ranks pull off upsets each September. However, this Penn State team is too well-coached and talented to be one of them.
The offense should bounce back after a subpar performance in week two, especially on a dry day and their final tune-up before Oregon comes to town. The strategy seems to be to work on specific things ahead of the season, rather than scoring at will against overmatched non-conference opponents. I’m expecting a performance from Allar more reminiscent of week one, including two touchdown passes before making way for Ethan Grunkemeyer.
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The defense should produce some big plays to the delight of the Beaver Stadum crowd. Colgate was able to turn the Wildcats offense one-dimensional by stuffing the run. If Penn State can follow suit, expect a few turnovers that will help the Nittany Lions pull ahead by halftime.
While some questions may remain, Penn State rolls to 3-0 as it closes out its non-conference slate.
Penn State 45, Villanova 7
