The Penn State Nittany Lions got their first win of the season against Buffalo last weekend, and look to continue that momentum against a spiraling Rutgers team on Saturday. Here are three reasons why they'll beat the Scarlet Knights:
3) Christian Hackenberg's talent
Hackenberg has struggled mightily this season, but that has more to do with the struggles on the offensive line than anything else. He still has all of the talent in the world, and the offensive line is improving. If he has time, he'll be able to carry Penn State's offense to a victory.
2) Rutgers program in shambles
Rutgers head coach Kyle Flood is suspended for three games and five players are currently suspended for an alleged robbery. Their team is struggling because of it, and they're coming off a disappoiting loss to a bad Washington State team. The Scarlet Knights are in a downward spiral, and they won't climb out of it in Happy Valley.
1) Dominant defense
Penn State finished 29th in total defense (353.42 ypg) last year, but the true measure of their success was the fact that they tightened up even more with their backs against the wall, giving up just 18.6 points a game (7th in the nation). That success has continued this year as they're giving up less than 300 yards per game and only 20.5 points per game. Considering Rutgers' struggles, Penn State should win easily.
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