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It's finally time for Big Ten play, and perhaps time to find out a little more of the 2026 edition of Penn State football.
Here are five keys to a win over Wisconsin Saturday.
1. Next man up: It's a cliche when someone gets injured, but it really is that simple for the Nittany Lions without No. 1 wideout Koby Howard.
Is it Doomsday for PSU? Absolutely not. Is it ideal? That's also a no. Howard is the clear favorite target for QB Rocco Becht so far and easily the team's biggest threat at the home run ball.
It's still a good possibility that the tight ends are the most important factor in PSU's passing game. Becht has also taken a liking to Benjamin Brahmer and Andrew Rappleyea, and he also has a rapport with Gabe Burkle from the Iowa State days.
But in the meantime, it's a good chance for receivers Chase Sowell and Brett Eskildsen to take an important step.
2. Think fast, run fast: Last week was the first time we saw the run game shine this season. All four featured backs had a moment in the sun, including Quinton Martin Jr. with 100 rushing yards on 10 carries after not getting the ball at all against Temple.
It's no secret that the running backs must be better. Carson Hansen needs to prove if he's the No. 1 guy. James Peoples can't fumble like he did vs. Buffalo, even though he was bailed out on replay. Martin can't drop a screen pass, although he, too, was saved by a roughing the passer penalty.
When the receivers took a hit like they did this week, it's time for the run game to improve.
3. A beefed up defensive line matters: Historically, Wisconsin has always had massive offensive linemen leading to a strong run game. That is no different this year. The Badgers' smallest lineman is center Austin Kawecki, who weighs 310 pounds.
In the past, Penn State has employed smaller, more athletic defensive linemen. Those days are gone with the Lions having five defensive tackles weighing at least 300 pounds, led by Siale Taupaki and Dallas Vakalahi, who both weigh 326.
You would think that size helps stop a strong run game.
4. Stop Sama: Speaking of the strong run game of Wisconsin, Matt Campbell has a lot of familiarity in the Badgers' main running back, Abu Sama III. Sama played for Campbell at Iowa State the last three years, rushing for nearly 2,000 yards with the Cyclones. Sama transferred to Wisconsin after Campbell took the Penn State job.
If Campbell knows a lot about him, so do the other guys on defense who played with Sama. Don't expect anyone to be fooled by him.
It's also worth noting Sama did not play last week in the Badgers' 54-10 win over Eastern Michigan with an injury, but he is good to go today.
5. It's 5 o'clock somewhere: The 5 p.m. kickoff is a strange one, but it's one that many fans are liking, especially with what is expected to be a beautiful early fall day.
Even though the 5 p.m. game time is unusual, it's not unprecedented. Penn State's 2013 classic with Michigan, a 43-40 victory in four overtimes, was also a 5 p.m. kickoff. It was one of the most entertaining games of the Bill O'Brien era and one that many fans remember fondly.