Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/870401
O T H E R M A T C H U P S THE LOWDOWNExcept for a missed 39-yard field goal by Tyler Davis, Penn State's kicking units got off to a superb start against Akron. DeAndre Thompkins had a 61-yard punt return for a touchdown, Blake Gillikin averaged 50 yards on his two punts and Davis later came through with a career-long 47-yard field goal. Pitt's kicking game had some problems vs. Youngstown State. Redshirt freshman PK Alex Kessman missed both of his field goal attempts, one from 28 yards and another from 38 that would have ended the game in regulation. The Nittany Lions will have to be wary of Henderson, who is an outstanding kickoff and punt returner. // EDGE Penn State SPECIAL TEAMS THE LOWDOWN The Panthers have won the past two meetings in this long-running series, claiming a 12-0 victory in 2000 and a 42-39 win last year. But both games were in Pittsburgh and both took place during periods of transition at Penn State. The Nittany Lions are not in transition right now and will be at home on Saturday, where they haven't lost since November 2015. // EDGEPenn State THIS 'N' THAT THE LOWDOWN The Panthers were nearly upset by an FCS opponent in the first game of Narduzzi's third season, but that game isn't indicative of the job he's done at Pitt. He also has wins over Penn State and Clemson. That said, beating the Nittany Lions will be a huge challenge this weekend. James Franklin and his staff have the Lions on a roll. // EDGE Penn State COACHING STAFF S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 0 1 7 B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M 5 Pitt's leading receiver against Youngstown State with five catches for 35 yards. TE Matt Flannigan had two catches for 35 yards, WR Maurice Ffrench had three for 19 yards and RB Darrin Hall had two for 12 yards. WR Jester Weah had only one catch for 11 yards, but it was the winner in overtime. As those numbers indicate, Pitt ran a very limited offensive package against Youngstown State. Penn State leads the Big Ten in pass defense aBer its game against Akron, in which it allowed only 86 passing yards. That was quite a feat considering that Akron QB Thomas Woodson, had five 300-plus yard passing games in 2016. Penn State finished its game against Akron with three sacks for 13 yards. // KEY MATCHUP Weah fill face CB Grant Haley, while O'Neill will be looking to keep Miller and/or Buchholz away from Browne. The Pitt QB is a pure pocket passer who lacks mobility. // EDGE Penn State