On Saturday, the No. RV/22 Penn State Nittany Lions will host the Northwestern Wildcats in a significant Big Ten matchup. The game is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on FS1.
Matchup Overview
This marks the 22nd meeting between Penn State and Northwestern. Historically, Penn State leads the series with a record of 16 wins and 5 losses, including an impressive 9-2 record when playing at home. In their most recent encounter in 2023, Penn State triumphed with a score of 41-13.
Recent Performance
In the previous game against Northwestern, quarterback Drew Allar contributed significantly by throwing for a touchdown and rushing for another. Nicholas Singleton also made an impact, recording both a rushing and a receiving touchdown, totaling 126 all-purpose yards. The Nittany Lions’ defense was dominant, achieving 12 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and one interception during the game.
Homecoming Celebrations
- This weekend’s game is Penn State’s 105th Homecoming event.
- The Nittany Lions boast a record of 75-24-5 in homecoming games.
- They have won 16 of their last 19 homecoming matches.
- Last year, Penn State defeated Illinois 21-7 in their homecoming game.
Key Players to Watch
Linebacker Amare Campbell has been a standout performer this season. He recently recorded 10 tackles against UCLA, marking his second double-digit tackle game of the year. He also leads the team in tackles this season, with a total of 47 and 5.5 tackles for loss.
Additionally, defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton made headlines with a blocked punt against UCLA, resulting in a touchdown. This was a significant moment, as it was Penn State’s first blocked punt returned for a touchdown since 2012.
Northwestern’s Season So Far
Northwestern enters this game with a 3-2 record, including 1-1 in conference play. In their last game, they achieved a convincing 42-7 victory over UL Monroe, amassing 515 total yards, with 246 of those yards gained on the ground. Quarterback Preston Stone threw for three touchdowns, while teammate Caleb Komolafe rushed for two scores.
Statistics at a Glance
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| All-Time Series Record | Penn State leads 16-5 |
| Homecoming Games | 105th Homecoming for Penn State |
| Amare Campbell Tackles | 10 tackles vs. UCLA |
| Blocked Punts This Season | 2 blocked punts |
Conclusion
The Penn State vs. Northwestern matchup promises to be an exciting event as the Nittany Lions look to continue their strong performance at home during their Homecoming festivities. With key players to watch and a significant historical context, fans are in for a thrilling game.
