Keep the momentum going

Early in the season, the Nittany Lions weren’t translating pressure into consistent sacks (four-three games). Abdul Cartermoving from linebacker to defensive end, he was still adjusting. Now, things have completely changed.

Still home to the No. 4 total defense in the FBS (269.3 yards allowed per game), Penn State’s pass rush has found its groove recently, posting 19 sacks over its last six games, including five against Washington last week and three against Ohio State. Of course, Carter was at the center of that offense, totaling four sacks and a forced fumble in those two games alone.

When Carter consistently crushes offensive linemen, the rest of the defensive line follows, and Penn State’s unit immediately becomes one of the most dangerous in the country. There’s little doubt about the Nittany Lions’ ability to pressure Purdue quarterback Hudson Card as well, with the Boilermakers allowing 2.67 sacks per game.

However, the hotter Carter and Penn State’s pass rush remains, the more challenges they will present in the playoffs. Look for Purdue, which allowed four sacks last week at Ohio State, to struggle to protect Card.

RELATED: Penn State ‘confident’ running back Nicholas Singleton to play at Purdue

Play an all-out offensive game

Even with an 8-1 record, it looks like there was something to talk about Penn State’s offense. It’s never easy to play a completely dominant game, but over the past few weeks, the Nittany Lions have had clear areas to address: the lack of receiver engagement, the efficiency of the running game or the offense struggling on the goal line against Ohio State. Against a Purdue team that lacks a defensive identity (121st in the FBS with 446.4 total yards allowed per game), Penn State’s offense as an opportunity to fire on all cylinders Saturday.

With quarterback Drew Allar establishing a strong early bond with his wide receivers, especially some potential ground games, would be a huge plus. A dominant 60-minute effort from Penn State’s running game, whether from Kaytron Allen, Nick Singleton or freshmen Quinton Martin Jr. and Corey Smith, would also be beneficial. Fresh off a 35-point effort against Washington, Penn State’s offense needs to continue.

“I don’t think we really knew how well we were doing at this point. I think at halftime, we kind of regrouped and said we were 4-4 (on offensive drives) with 28 points. Penn State quarterback Beau Pribula said of the Washington game. “You’re kind of in that state of flow, and I certainly was in the first half on Saturday.”

For Penn State, this game is likely to be more about building momentum, playing a complete game and getting reps for a variety of players rather than needing to make key plays to win. The offensive game plan should look similar to the team’s Week 4 game against Kent State, when both Allar (309 yards, three touchdowns) and Pribula (83 yards passing, one touchdown) had strong passing days, Allen and Singleton averaged at least 6. yards per carry, and wide receivers Omari Evans and Liam Clifford caught touchdown passes.

Push for a shutout

Penn State has shut out one opponent this season: Kent State on a 56-0 day at Beaver Stadium. This game against Purdue has the potential to be a second. The Boilermakers were shut out by Oregon (35-0) and Ohio State (45-0), two Big Ten teams that Penn State is trying to compete with. It’s also worth noting that both teams’ quarterbacks, Dillon Gabriel and Will Howard, stayed on the field until the fourth quarter.

There’s no point in risking the health of novice players by playing them deep into this matchup, assuming it’s going to be a blowout. But if there’s even a sliver of a chance for the Nittany Lions to impress the CFP committee against Purdue, it would be a shutout. That could mean coaches keep their foot on the gas even when using their depth pieces.

Ultimately, the Nittany Lions’ best showing against Purdue would mirror what the Ducks and Buckeyes have done while rotating in young talent for more reps in the game. With only three games remaining, Franklin said Monday that Penn State is likely to use players from its redshirt pool more often.

“I think the staff have done a really good job and the players have understood what we’re trying to do, but somehow they’re managing the four-game red-shirt restriction. So you’re going to start seeing some guys come in available and play special teams and offense and play special teams and defense the last couple of games,” Franklin said. “That’s the plan, is (to try to) work some of those guys that have games available in the regular season.”

Penn State visits Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3:30 pm ET on CBS.

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Daniel Mader, a May 2024 graduate of Penn State, is an editorial intern at The Sporting News. As a student journalist at The Daily Collegian, he served as sports editor and covered Nittany Lions women’s basketball, men’s volleyball and more. He has also covered Penn State football for NBC Sports and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, with additional work in the Center Daily Times, Lancaster Online and more. Follow X @DanielMader_ or Instagram @dmadersports.