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

Sep 23, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions kicker Alex Felkins (91) is congratulated after kicking a field goal during the first quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Iowa 31-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Theo Johnson (84) reacts after a play against the Utah Utes during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Theo Johnson will have 75 receiving yards

Penn State has demonstrated a fairly clear identity in this early portion of the season: It can win games by controlling the ball with extended drives, and a huge part of that is moving the chains in short-yardage situations with its running backs.

But as many fans and the coaches themselves wait for a wide receiver to step up in this offense, it’s the tight ends who play a huge role in this offense and how dangerous it can be.

Theo Johnson is the TE1 of a deep group that often uses multiple tight ends on the field in a single formation, and has 10 catches for 88 yards this season, and has yet to get in the end zone.

The tight ends haven’t popped off yet, but Johnson has become increasingly involved in the offensive game plan each week, and against Northwestern expect him to get a ton of play. Johnson will get in the range of five catches and break 75 yards. Tyler Warren is also heavily used as a TE1a of sorts, and he excels in the red zone. Expect a touchdown catch for him as well.

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