Week 8 Know Your Opponent: An Angry Penn State Team Comes to Bloomingotn

Trace McSorely leads a limping Penn State into Bloomington Image: Getty Images

Written By Nathan Comp

Head Coach: James Franklin

Overall: 40-18 5th Year

Bowl Appearances at PSU: 4

2017 Record: 11-2 (7-2) B1G

Bowl Appearances Since 2000: 4 (0-4)

Mascot: Nittany Lion

Colors: Blue and White

Outfitter: Nike

National Titles: 2

Conference Titles: 5

Heisman Winners: 1

Last Week’s Result: Lost vs Michigan State 17-21

2018 Record: 4-2

Statistical Leaders

Passing Trace McSorley 92-170 (54.1%) 1241 yards, 11 TDs, 2 INT

Rushing Miles Sanders 104 att. 700 yards 7 TD

Receiving KJ Hamler 18 rec. 374 yards 5 TD

Tackles Jan Johnson 34 tackles (19 solo), 0.5 TFL, 0.5 Sack

Talking Points

1. Two Straight Losses

Three weeks ago, Penn State played in what was arguably the most exciting game through the halfway point of the season. The Nittany Lions eventually fell to Ohio State at home by just one point, 27-26. They looked strong in the defeat and the game truly could have gone either way. However, Penn State followed up this performance with an unexpected loss at home to a Michigan State squad who, just one week prior, had lost to Northwestern, despite holding the Wildcats to only 8 rushing yards. Penn State will now travel to Indiana hoping to avenge their past two performances and hold on to any hope they may still have at the College Football Playoff. Penn State coach James Franklin is now a combined 3-11 against the fellow elite of the Big Ten East: Michigan State, Ohio State, and Michigan.

2. Saquon Graduating Did Not Slow Down the Rushing Attack

 Many pondered the severity of the drop-off for the Penn State rushing attack after the departure of Saquon Barkley. As good as Barkley was, the rushing attack has not been haltered. Miles Sanders has been the reason for this. He was a sole bright spot in the loss against Michigan State, totaling 162 yards and a touchdown and claiming a pair of long runs on drives that led to touchdowns. This performance came on just 17 carries, averaging nearly a first down each carry. All of this came on a Michigan State rush defense that came into the game only allowing 33 rushing yards per game.

3. Trace McSorley Runs the Show

Despite Miles Sanders’ great first half, the engine behind the Penn State offense still lies in quarterback Trace McSorley. McSorley came into the season poised as a potential Heisman candidate and had his best game of the season in the loss against Ohio State, tallying 461 total yards. He fuels an offense that averages over 44 points a game. Just this past week, he passed Christian Hackenberg’s record for most passing yards in a career for a Penn State quarterback. After a meager 192 yard passing performance against Michigan State, McSorley will be licking his chops against an Indiana secondary that has allowed opposing quarterbacks to throw for 12 touchdowns in the past two weeks.