Game Preview: Penn State No. RV/22 Faces Off Against Northwestern

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Game Preview: Penn State No. RV/22 Faces Off Against Northwestern

Penn State’s Homecoming Battle Against Northwestern: A Closer Look

Penn State vs Northwestern: A Historic Series

Penn State University is set to welcome Northwestern for a thrilling Big Ten matchup this Saturday. The game, kicking off at 3:30 p.m. on FS1, marks the 22nd meeting between the two teams. Penn State dominates the series with a 16-5 record, including a 9-2 lead in home games. The Nittany Lions secured a commanding 41-13 victory over Northwestern in 2023 at Evanston, with standout performances from Drew Allar and Nicholas Singleton.

Celebrating Homecoming Tradition at Penn State

The Nittany Lions are gearing up for their 105th homecoming game, an event steeped in tradition. The team boasts a stellar 75-24-5 record in homecoming contests, winning 16 of the last 19 games. Last year’s game saw a decisive 21-7 victory against Illinois.

Amare Campbell: A Defensive Force

Linebacker Amare Campbell continues to shine for Penn State. Notably, he recorded his second game with double-digit tackles at UCLA, achieving 10 tackles and contributing significantly with 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack. His impressive stats place him fourth nationwide in solo tackles per game.

Special Teams Making an Impact

Penn State’s special teams have proven critical this season. Defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton’s recent punt block against UCLA resulted in a touchdown, marking the first such score since 2012. The team now has two blocked punts this season, mirroring the output last achieved in 2021.

Northwestern’s Strong Performance This Season

While Northwestern holds a 3-2 record for the season, they have shown resilience with a recent 42-7 triumph over UL Monroe. Their offense amassed 515 total yards, with Preston Stone providing a standout performance by throwing for 262 yards and three touchdowns.

Key Numbers and Statistics

  • 105th – Penn State’s upcoming homecoming game marks its 105th.
  • 10 – Amare Campbell’s 10 tackles at UCLA represent his second double-digit tackle game of the season.
  • 5 – Kaytron Allen’s fifth career game with multiple rushing touchdowns happened against UCLA.
  • 2 – Penn State achieved two blocked punts this season for the first time since 2021.

Penn State vs UCLA: Game Reflections

In their recent clash with UCLA, Penn State improved to a 3-5 all-time record against this opponent. Important highlights included breaking a streak of 34 consecutive wins against unranked AP teams and a notable third-quarter punt block return for a touchdown by Dani Dennis-Sutton and Liam Clifford. This achievement marks a standout moment in Penn State’s special teams history.

Navigating the Historic Series with Northwestern

Penn State’s on-field rivalry with Northwestern is marked by dominance, holding a 16-5 series lead. Their home record stands strong at 9-2, with the Nittany Lions winning the last three contests, showcasing their prowess in the Big Ten conference.

Homecoming Success: A Legacy of Victory

Penn State’s homecoming tradition is one of consistent excellence, with the team securing wins in 10 of the last 12 homecoming games. This tradition of success fosters a unifying spirit among alumni and students alike as they rally behind the Nittany Lions.