Penn State football: 3 bold predictions vs. Northwestern in Week 5

Penn State football is fresh off a 31-0 drubbing of Iowa, a game where the Nittany Lions dominated control of the ball and manhandled the visitors.

Penn State made every necessary play on both sides of the ball, converting all four of its fourth downs and half of its third-down opportunities.

The defense didn’t allow Iowa barely any time to breathe, limiting the Hawkeyes to four first downs and 76 total yards in only about 14 minutes of possession. The Penn State defense showed just how dangerous it is, forcing four fumbles. They’re No. 1 in the nation in total defense and in turnover margin. Granted, being the only team left without a giveaway helps, but so does a defense with a knack for finding the ball.

Now the Nittany Lions continue their Big Ten schedule in Evanston, for what typifies the ol’ “trap game”. A Northwestern team that is about to hit a major transition period under an interim coach should not have a chance in this game in theory, but an incredible 37-34 comeback win in overtime against Minnesota has given the Wildcats some life and has them already improved from 1-11 in 2022.

Minnesota, though, is having a down year, and Penn State will pose a very different challenge and unfortunately for Northwestern, is a bad matchup at multiple spots.

Without some uncharacteristic carelessness with the football by the Nittany Lions to aid their cause, the Wildcats will not come close to an upset and are in for a long day at the office.