Often times in sports, the outcome of a game can be determined not just by overall talent alone, but by specific matchups. Penn State has more talent and has had a better season than Maryland to this point, but there’s one aspect of the game that the Nittany Lions will have to address if they want to avoid the upset: Special teams.
Penn State’s difficulties in the punting game have been well-documented, and the contrast was striking when compared to the Buckeyes’ kicking game last weekend. The Nittany Lions’ average starting point was at their own 16-yard line, while Chris Gulla and Daniel Pasquariello have been handing opponents great field position throughout the season.