Pittsburgh Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

The Penn State Nittany Lions is rematch number one the Pittsburgh Panthers must face and conquer. The Panthers pulled out a 42-39 victory at home and an early season upset in 2016, although then it went relatively unnoticed.

The two teams were unranked when they faced each other back in September 2016. The Nittany Lions began the season 2-2 before reeling off nine-straight victories and a Big Ten Champions.

Penn State returns 16 starters (nine on offense, seven on defense) from last season’s squad. They will prove to be a handful behind the arm of quarterback Trace McSorley, a Heisman hopeful and the legs of running back Saquon Barkley, also another Heisman hopeful.

The Nittany Lions are ranked sixth in the USA Today Coaches Poll this go around so don’t expect them to take it easy on the Panthers. Although they finished the game with four rushing touchdowns, they were held to 74 net rushing yards and turned the ball over four times (three fumbles, one interception).

Pittsburgh rushed the ball for a season-high 56 times for 341 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns on the flip side. If they can control the line of scrimmage, they can make play a competitive game with Quadree Henderson, Jester Weah and Qadree Ollison.

However, with some defensive starters still out due to suspension, inexperience could hurt them in the end. The Nittany Lions will have the College Football Playoff on their mind so expect a high-level performance from them. Pittsburgh should put up a good fight.

Final: Penn State 38, Pittsburgh 24 (1-1)