Probably didn't format the title correctly, but whatever.
The game is a night game at Penn State and it should be played in front of a VERY juiced up crowd.
It is the first time ever that NBC has broadcast a Penn State game. (This didn't seem right to me, so maybe it's the first time they've ever broadcast from Beaver Stadium? -- PSU did have a long series with Notre Dame in the 80s and 90s)
Penn State is favored by 3 TDs, give or take.
Some Notes:
I think the line is probably too generous. Franklin teams always start slow, with the exception of 2017. However, 2017 was the first time that PSU had returned both coordinators from the previous year. The only other time that has happened? 2023. With that said, PSU is breaking in a new QB, so I don't expect things to run like a well-oiled machine.
West Virginia is not as bad of a team as most media hit pieces have made them out to be. They have 3 offensive lineman that are probably going to be drafted into the NFL, and may even have the first center picked in the draft. They have a very talented running back room, and a mobile QB. Their QB (Greene) averaged over 6 yards per carry and had TWO! 100 yard rushing games.
Note that WVU matches up well against Penn State offensively. Penn State is not as strong against the run as they are against the pass, and they are especially vulnerable to runs up the middle. In addition, PSU hasn't faced a running QB of Greene's ability. Don't be surprised if WVU has lots of success with their running game. Also, WVU's running backs may be the best receivers on the team.
WVU's offensive line has two future NFL players that will line up against PSU's highly touted defensive ends. I'm sure the PSU DEs will win some battles, but they probably won't have the success some expect.
IMO, the strongest part of WVU's defense is their defensive line. Losing longtime starter Langdon Tengwall this week will weaken PSU's offensive line, too. If Allar is slow to make reads, I think this unit could perform well against PSU.
Expect WVU to sell out against the run and make PSU's new QB beat them. If Allar struggles in his first start, and PSU becomes one-dimensional, expect this game to be very close. Also expect me to wildly revise my season predictions.
WVU's passing game is the weak point of their offense. PSU will likely do everything they can to force WVU into passing the ball. If WVU falls behind early or is otherwise forced to rely on its passing game, this could turn into the blowout that Vegas expects. Then again, there's always the chance that WVU's passing game will be much improved over last year, despite the fact they lost their top 4! pass catchers.
On defense, WVU is weak at the safety position. This should mean good things for Penn State, assuming that Allar is able get comfortable in the pocket.
WVU's linebackers appear to be pretty average. PSU should have a clear advantage here with their talented tight ends. If Singleton and Katron Allen are able to get past the defensive line, they should have success against the 2nd and 3rd level of WVU's defense.
WVU picked up some cornerbacks from the portal, and they look like they might be better than their 2022 counterparts. Will PSU's average wide receivers be able to have success against them?
I expect both teams to "sell out" against the run and try to force their opponent into passing the ball. The winning team will be the one that is able to exploit this.
Normally I would pick PSU to win by about 7 points. This is a night game at home, and it will have a "white out" atmosphere. Therefore I'm expecting Penn State to win by 13 points.
