Big Ten Showdown: Wisconsin Looks to Upset No.3 Penn State

by Ryan S. in NCAAF on Oct 22, 2024 10:22am

The Nittany Lions head to Camp Randall to face the Badgers but could be looking ahead to a massive showdown against Ohio State next week. Can Penn State stay focused on the road or falter against Wisconsin?

Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State has the No.10 offense in the nation averaging 471 yards per game while the defense is sixth best surrendering an average of just 14.5 PPG. The Nittany Lions struggled against USC last week but were able to get by with a 33-30 win. Drew Allar threw for 391 yards, two touchdowns but also tossed three picks. Receiver, Tyler Warren had a spectacular game, 17 receptions for 224 yards and a major. But the Lions and Warren face one of the best passing defenses as Wisconsin is ranked No.7 against the pass allowing just 156 YPG. Still, Penn State has a tremendous defense ranking in the top ten against the pass and points allowed.

Wisconsin Badgers

The Badgers have been rolling, three straight wins, but let’s be honest, the opponents aren’t considered powerhouses. Wisconsin outscored Purdue, Rutgers and Northwestern by a combined 117-16. Now they step up in class against a national title contender. In their two losses to USC and Alabama, the Badgers allowed 80 combined points. But there is still confidence with this side in a big, night game at home. RB Tawee Walker has been exciting, averaging 5.4 yards per carry and scoring nine touchdowns. He rushed for 198 yards and three scores against Rutgers and the Badgers would love a repeat performance Saturday. Wisconsin has its’ work cut out but if they can avoid turnovers, they’ll keep this interesting right until the final quarter.

Prediction

While the Badgers will have home field advantage and play in prime time against one of the best teams in the country, Penn State seems to be on a mission ahead of its marquee game next week against the Buckeyes. Wisconsin keeps it close but the Nittany Lions pull away in the fourth.