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Offense
Penn State: It's hard to get too excited about how PSU manhandled Purdue and ran at will last week, but it is exciting to think of the possibilities. Koby Howard and Chase Sowell returning, plus a competent running game could turn a previously bland offense dangerous, but time will tell. The offense was a great defense, too, keeping the ball for 43 minutes.
Washington: Desmond Williams sparked a late comeback at Nebraska after replacing Elijah Brown but Washington still gained a season-low 267 yards. The 32 rushing yards highlighted how one-dimensional this unit has been with its running game ranked last in the Big Ten. The O-line is leaky with QBs sacked 26 times. Chris Lawson went off for 12 catches last week and has 638 yards this year.
Advantage: Penn State
Defense
Penn State: While Lions only produced one sack--their first in Big Ten play which is alarming--they consistently harassed the passer. Doing so against a quality offense was a big step forward. In addition to allowing just 33 rushing yards against an offense which was ranked among the Big Ten's top five, allowing just 2.2 yards per carry tells a physical tale.
Washington: Believe it or not, a defense which allowed 29.8 points in its previous four games saved the day in Lincoln. Safety Alex McLaughlin returned a pick for the game-winning score. He and Ryan Dillard-Allen are tied for second in Big Ten with three interceptions. Huskies rank in the bottom half of every major team defensive category, while Penn State is first against the pass.
Advantage: Penn State
Special teams
Penn State: While the first two units moved forward, special teams continued moving back. The blocked punt touchdown highlighted the struggles here. Ryan Barker missed more field goals against Purdue (2) than he did all last season and has hit the first funk of his collegiate career. Nathan Tiyce can relate, wallowing near the bottom of the Big Ten in punting.
Washington: Like Barker, Robles has taken a step back this year, but still is 10 of 12, including 7 of 8 beyond 30 yards. He also has four 50+ field goals in the last two seasons. Punter Hunter Green is second in conference in yards per kick at 48.1. Green also has placed 15 punts inside the 20 and was a hidden MVP against Nebraska, dropping five of eight kicks inside the range.
Advantage: Washington
Coaching/intangibles
Penn State: Matt Campbell now has more Big Ten wins than James Franklin earned last year. Yes, I know Franklin was gone after seven games, but if Franklin can point the finger at everyone else, I can squarely point it back at him. Lions were well-prepared after the bye week, but Saturday provides a big test to see if Campbell truly has righted the ship for now.
Washington: edd Fisch had a tough act to follow after Kalen DeBoer bolted following a national runner-up finish in 2023. Still, Huskies have gone to Bowl games in consecutive years and made three-win improvement last season. DeBoer was an assistant with the 2018 NFC champion Rams and also has had hard times this year; Huskies losing three straight following 4-0 start.
Advantage: Washington
Prediction record: 6-2
Prediction: Washington is a tough venue to compete at, especially for a Northeastern school. The Huskies had not lost to an unranked opponent there until Minnesota defeated it this season. Penn State's physical dominance up front last week makes Lions tempting here, but home-field advantage carries the day. Washington 24, Penn State 20