For the second time, No. 2 Penn State will host Florida International University from Conference USA.
Penn State beat FIU 59-0 back in 2007.
Here’s what to watch for as Penn State tries to secure its first national championship since 1986, we examine below:
A Pair of Top 10 Leading Rushers – Nicholas Singleton (four yards) and Kaytron Allen (15 yards) are within striking distance of No. 10 Lydell Mitchell on Penn State’s all-time rushing list. Mitchell set a program record in 1971 with 29 total touchdowns and teamed with Franco Harris for one of Penn State’s most iconic backfield tandems.
The Drive For 9 – After a pair of touchdowns against Nevada, Singleton has scored a rushing touchdown in eight consecutive games, which is tied for the second-longest streak over the past 20 years. Saquon Barkley scored a touchdown (rush, receive, or return) in a program record 15 consecutive games between 2016-17 seasons.
Continued Pena Dominance – Since the start of last season, Trebor Pena leads Power 4 wide receivers with the most receptions in Power 4 games (91), that included him leading the ACC a year ago at Syracuse.
Dani’ing The Panthers – EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton has begun to emerge as the nation’s top EDGE rusher grading at 96.3 overall defensive grade and 97.3 run-defense grade both elite grades. Dennis-Sutton average depth of tackle was three yards behind the line of scrimmage. The surge isn’t new for Dennis-Sutton, who has had multiple QB pressures in eight of his last 10 games.
Limited Snap Count – Defensive end Zuriah Fisher has been given the green light to return, but will be on a limited snap count according to head coach James Franklin.
Wounded Lions: James Franklin Updates Status of Wounded Penn State Defenders
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Fisher was a trendy pick in the preseason to be a breakout candidate in his senior season.
The Youth Movement – For many, the hype around a quartet of freshmen will continue in the out of conference slate. Defensive end Chaz Coleman and defensive back Daryus Dixson got rave first impressions from Franklin.
Franklin said Coleman’s presence of recognizing the importance of getting his first game under his belt showed great maturity. Dixson had a highlight knife tackle on special teams that was the talk of the staff. The question will be will these promising freshmen see expanded roles this week?
Another freshman that got a lot of buzz was wide receiver Koby Howard. Howard didn’t receive a target against Nevada, many feel he is fourth among wide receivers on the depth chart but it seems Tyseer Denmark and Liam Clifford are ahead of him. Could Howard be missing that blocking element that Franklin emphasizes?
Finding Balance With New Passing Wrinkles – Franklin emphasized finding balance during Nevada postgame and in his weekly press conference for FIU. With Penn State having a distinct talent advantage over FIU, is this another game the staff will be working on key points?
The question is where Devonte Ross is health wise – who many feel will be the Z-wide receiver, given Ross’ ability to create mismatches and stretch the field.
Ross has been banged up and has been limited, but wide receivers coach Marques Hagans said during his media availability that Ross is up to speed.
“He was able to just stay connected to practice and participate in the capacity that he was able to,” Hagans said. “A lot of mental reps, a lot of things that could have passed him by didn’t. We met more, watching film and making sure he was on top of his assignments, and now he’s going to hit the ground running. Devonte is just one of those guys that you look at him in stature, and you’re like, ‘Ah, he’s small.’ But he’s another one who’s tough. He competes, he loves football, and he’s dynamic with the ball in his hands.”
Penn State would love to have Ross seasoned with in-game action prior to Oregon, who will participate in the annual “White Out” at Beaver Stadium on September 27.
