Penn State Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Indiana in Week 12

1. Penn State still makes more big plays

On the subject of K.J. Hamler or bust, this game will have its fair share of big plays, and the Nittany Lions will make the “lion’s share” of them.

One thing Penn State offensive coordinator Ricky Rahne and pass game coordinator Gerad Parker do well is scheme Hamler open. He doesn’t exclusively line up in one place on the field where you can key in on him; he lines up at the X-receiver, the Y-receiver and even in the backfield sometimes. He’s in the slot, and in motion always looking for an open space in the zone. That’s what he does well.

Then sometimes it looks like the play design is “K.J. run faster than everyone and catch the ball 60 yards down the field” — that works, too.

A similar thing could be said about Indiana running back Stevie Scott. He has nearly 1,000 total yards this year. You’ll see Indiana line him up as a receiver or put him in motion in addition to lining him up in the backfield. Indiana also has some receivers who can get chunk plays down the field.

The Indiana coaching staff will have plenty of plays drawn up to take advantage of Penn State’s young secondary. You might see the screen game to take advantage of Penn State’s fast aggressive defense.

Both teams have the talent to get big plays against the other; it’s in Penn States offensive DNA more than Indiana’s. So, the Nittany Lions will make more big plays down the field in this one.