Penn State Football: Game-by-game predictions for Nittany Lions in 2022

This could be a classic trap for Penn State, coming off a physical and emotional letdown against Ohio State. A road game against the Hoosiers that may be a noon kickoff. The Lions only two losses in the series have occurred in Bloomington.

There are two things working in Penn State’s favor. The first is that while the Hoosiers should be better than last year, it will be only a slight improvement. This will not be the 2020 Hoosiers that caught college football by surprise.

Speaking of the 2020 season, Penn State remembers that opening day controversial loss to the Hoosiers. There are still players on this year’s roster from that team including Sean Clifford. The Nittany Lions will not repeat the same mistakes.

Prediction: Penn State wins 28-13 (6-3, 4-2)

The last visit for Maryland to Beaver Stadium ended in a rare victory for the Terps against the Lions. Maryland will look to repeat the same fortunes.

Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa gives the Terps hope after throwing for over 3,800 yards a year ago and 26 touchdowns. Add in a highly talented group of receivers and a veteran offensive line, the Terps have what looks to be a formidable offense.

Maryland’s problem is their defense was pretty abysmal last year and must show improvement so the offense is not forced to turn every game into a shootout.

While Maryland may be fighting for bowl eligibility in November, Penn State should be fighting for a better bowl in the Big Ten’s pecking order. The Nittany Lions win with better defense including another pick-six by Ji’Ayir Brown, who sealed the game against the Terps last year with a pick-six.

Prediction: Penn State wins 31-24 (7-3, 5-2)