Penn State football, James Franklin prediction vs Minnesota in the Big Ten

On November 24, 2024By Littum

This tall Penn State football defense has another box to check this season.

Something that could make life a lot easier when it goes on the road Saturday against a rested, prepared and courageous opponent, the Minnesota Golden Gophers (3:30 p.m., CBS).

This Nittany Lion defense, led by new coordinator Tom Allen, has been more and more effective in almost every facet over the last month. It is up to no. 4 nationally in total yards allowed (just 272.6 yards per game). It is no. 5 in stopping the run. It is no. 6 in giving points.

Penn State (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten) just hasn’t been very good at taking the ball away from its opponent.

The Lions have forced just 12 turnovers in 10 games – middle of the pack among the nation’s 133 teams. The only standout has been safety Jaylen Reed (three interceptions).

Meanwhile, Minnesota (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten), for all its hot and cold play, has been remarkably consistent and efficient at taking the ball away on defense (20 forced turnovers) and protecting it on offense (eight turnovers ) ). The Gophers have already intercepted 16 passes.

It’s an exciting factor that can tip a game that the Lions don’t mind losing. They are a 12-point favorite. They are more talented, deeper and more productive than Minnesota in pretty much every important factor.

Turnovers could be the one thing that keeps the Gophers in the game at home.

Penn State football: How to avoid a Minnesota upset

Coach James Franklin broke down what is otherwise an elite defense that needs improvement in this regard:

“The first thing is shots on goal, what we call it. Making sure the other (defensive player on a play) strips and hits the football. A couple of years ago, we caused a decent amount of fumbles but didn’t recover them. So make sure we do both at a high level.

“So I think we do a pretty good job of PBUs and contested catches, (but) we’ve got to come up with a couple of those. There’s been a couple that are 50-50 balls and that the rules are. in college football the draw goes to the offense. we have to find a way to win some more of them.

“The next step is not only the confidence to break the ball up, but actually go after the ball.”

The key on Saturday will therefore not just be to stop the runs for Minnesota’s Darius Taylor (5 yards per carry), but to pressure, disrupt and make life more difficult than usual for quarterback Max Brosmer. Make him rush things. Push him into mistakes.

Create a few turnovers.

Doing so could spark another landslide victory at Penn State.

Likewise, if the Gophers — the top turnover ratio in the Big Ten — are allowed to take advantage of them, it could keep them in the game, create an upset — and put them in danger of missing the College Football Playoff.

It’s the most important opportunity yet, in a sense, for this improved top-five Penn State team. Conquering one thing just isn’t quite yet.

Bodani’s prediction: Penn State 27, Minnesota 13

Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and the USA Today Network. Contact him at [email protected] and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState.