Penn State Football: 5 reasons Lions will beat Kentucky in Citrus Bowl

2. Miles Sanders shines

When the season started, everyone wanted to know how Miles Sanders would fare in the Lions backfield with Saquon Barkley gone. Comparisons are still being made which if it bothers him, Sanders does not show it. He had a solid season as the starter and will be a key factor against Kentucky.

Sanders carried the rock for over 1,200 yards, averaging nearly six yards a carry and scored nine touchdowns. He was not a big factor in the passing game and found himself dropping passes a few more times than he would have liked. He topped the 100-yard rushing mark in five games and even had 200 yards against Illinois.

It will be tough going up against one of the best linebackers in the country in Josh Allen, but Penn State has been game planning for him for a month. One of Kentucky’s other great defensive players, linebacker Jordan Jones, will not play due to being ineligible. Jones being out is a break for the Lions.

There is a lot of speculation Sanders could leave early for the NFL. This year’s NFL draft class is light on running backs so it could be a great time to go. Plus he knows he will be pushed for playing time with Ricky Slade and Journey Brown behind him on the roster and two more top running backs signed in the 2019 class. Everything points to Sanders having a great game in the Sunshine State in what could be his last in college.