Penn State at Purdue football: Who has the edge
WEST LAFAYETTE – Breaking down Thursday’s matchup between Penn State and Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium:
Penn State running game vs. Purdue against the run
The Nittany Lions were near the bottom of the Big Ten, averaging 108 yards per game and 3.21 yards per carry last season. The combination of poor offensive line play and the lack of explosive playmakers led to less-than-stellar production from a program that prides itself on running the ball. In fact, Penn State didn’t feature a 100-yard rusher in any game last season. But Keyvone Lee returns after leading the Lions on the ground the last two seasons but it appears a pair of freshmen – Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen – will see action. The Boilermakers feature depth on the defensive line, led by Branson Deen and Lawrence Johnson, and linebackers Kieren Douglas, OC Brothers and Semisi Fakasiieiki should hold up against the run. This is a battle, though, Purdue must win to keep this game from getting out of hand and not let Penn State control the clock on the ground. How much action will PSU transfer Cole Brevard see on the line for the Boilermakers? Edge: PURDUE
Purdue running game vs. Penn State against the run
In Jeff Brohm’s pass-happy offense, the running game will always play second fiddle, but the Boilermakers need production on the ground and short-yardage situations are where they need to excel. The offensive line is experienced and there are more options in the backfield, starting with veteran King Doerue. There’s also Dylan Downing, Kobe Lewis (Central Michigan transfer) and walk-on Devin Mockobee. However, the biggest addition is Tyrone Tracy, an Iowa transfer who can play in the backfield and receiver. Tracy’s versatility should shine, and it will need to against a strong front seven and a solid group of linebackers. Throughout series history, the Lions have stymied the Boilermakers in the run game. Purdue doesn’t need a bunch of big plays but must convert enough third-and-1, third-and-2 situations to keep drives going. Edge: PENN STATE
Penn State passing game vs. Purdue against the pass
Sean Clifford and all of his experience return but who replaces receiver Jahan Dotson? Dotson was a big-play machine for the offense but he’s off to the NFL. Enter Parker Washington, who had 64 catches for 820 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore. The Lions also feature KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who made 34 receptions last season, and Western Kentucky transfer Mitchell Tinsley, who had 84 catches for the Hilltoppers. This will be a big test for Purdue’s veteran secondary, led by safety Cam Allen and cornerback Cory Trice, who is returning from ankle and knee injuries. The impact player during preseason practices was Reese Taylor, a transfer cornerback from Indiana. The Indianapolis native is in line to start given the volume of snaps he’s played since joining the program and Jamari Brown working his way back after offseason surgery. Jalen Graham can play anywhere on Purdue’s defense and he’ll be around the ball as much as possible. But the Boilermakers will need to generate pressure on Clifford to disrupt the passing game. Edge: PURDUE
Purdue passing game vs. Penn State against the pass
Aidan O’Connell begins his final chapter Thursday, capping a heartwarming journey from walk-on to one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten. His efficiency was off the charts last season once he took over starting duties and there’s no reason to think it won’t continue. David Bell is gone but Charlies Jones and Tracy bring experience and talent to keep the passing game at a high level. Broc Thompson is coming off a superb performance in the bowl game and will be part of the mix. TJ Sheffield and Deion Burks bring speed from the slot position. The Lions are solid in the secondary and have plenty of talent to match up against Purdue’s receivers. But O’Connell will need time and the veteran offensive line can’t get worked over by Penn State’s defensive front similar to what happened three years ago. Edge: PURDUE
Special Teams
While Brohm stopped short of staying this could be his best group during his tenure, there’s a lot to like under the direction of first-year assistant Karl Maslowski. Experience at long snapper (Nick Zecchino), kicker (Mitchell Fineran) and return specialist Jones, who was Big Ten Returner of the Year last season at Iowa. Jack Ansell begins his second season at punter and seems to be in a better mindset after an up-and-down freshman season. Penn State also has a new coordinator, Stacy Collins, who last coached at Boise State. Jordan Stout played a role in field goals, punting and kickoffs but he’s gone, leaving open competition at all positions. Washington and running back Devyn Ford will have opportunities in the return game. Edge: PURDUE
Prediction
If any program understands opening on the road in the Big Ten, it’s Penn State. This is the third straight year the Lions have started the season – and the conference schedule – away from home. They played at Indiana in 2020 and traveled to Wisconsin last year. And now, Penn State must deal with Blackout conditions at Ross-Ade Stadium against a Purdue team, which won nine games a year ago and is still riding the wave of optimism with returning experience to back it up. The opportunity looms large for both teams. The Boilermakers can elevate themselves in the Big Ten West with a win and O’Connell would enhance his national profile with a solid performance against a Manny Diaz-led defense, which will bring plenty of pressure. The Lions look to establish the line of scrimmage and lean on the run game to navigate their way through the Big Ten East. Purdue has demonstrated its ability to rise up in these big games under Brohm and Thursday gives the program a chance to jumpstart the season in a special way. Purdue 29, Penn State 24
Mike Carmin covers Purdue sports for the Journal & Courier and USA Today Network. Email mcarmin@gannett.com and follow on Twitter and Instagram @carmin_jc
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Penn State at Purdue football: Breaking down Thursday's Big Ten matchup
