The Penn State Nittany Lions did not play as well as they wanted in 2015. They posted a disappointing 7-6 record, including a bowl loss to Georgia. While there is still plenty of talent, there are major question marks and unproven players all over the field. So will 2016 go better than 2015 did? Find out what we think with our game-by-game prediction of Penn State's record in 2016.
Week 1 - vs Kent State Golden Flashes
Prediction: WIN (1-1)
Penn State has a definite talent advantage over Kent State, so even if they don't play their best, they should win comfortably.
Week 2 - at Pitt Panthers
Prediction: LOSS (1-1)
This heated in-state rivalry will be incredibly intense despite not playing since 2000. That will lead to a very close game that could go either way. However, I like what head coach Pat Narduzzi is doing at Pitt, and they'll get the close win at home.
Week 3 - vs Temple Owls
Prediction: WIN (2-1)
Temple upset Penn State early last year - and the Nittany Lions have not forgotten about it. They'll play inspired football and win this game comfortably at home.
Week 4 - at Michigan Wolverines
Prediction: LOSS (2-2)
Penn State will give Michigan their first test of the season, but this is one of the toughest road games the Nittany Lions will have all year. With a first-year starter under center, it's easy to believe PSU could struggle.
Week 5 - vs Minnesota Golden Gophers
Prediction: WIN (3-2)
A return home will give Penn State the comfort they need to rebound quickly after losing to Michigan, ousting a game Minnesota team. The Gophers really struggle offensively, meaning Penn State should win comfortably.
Week 6 - vs Maryland Terrapins
Prediction: WIN (4-2)
Another big rivalry game for Penn State, but they have a distinct advantage in this one. New Maryland head coach D.J. Durkin will have the Terps moving in the right direction sooner rather than later, but they'll be bad this year.
Week 7 - BYE
Week 8 - vs Ohio State Buckeyes
Prediction: LOSS (4-3)
Penn State has a great opportunity to pull a major upset in this one, coming off a bye week. That will keep this game close all the way until the end, but the Buckeyes - led by J.T. Barrett - will ultimately pull it out late in the fourth quarter.
Week 9 - at Purdue Boilermakers
Prediction: WIN (5-3)
The Boilermakers have had just one winning season in the last eight years, and haven't won more than three games in each of the last three years. They have perhaps the lowest talent level in the Big Ten, meaning Penn State should pick up an easy win.
Week 10 - vs Iowa Hawkeyes
Prediction: LOSS (5-4)
Iowa is clearly the favorite in the Big Ten West. They have more talent and experience than PSU, and since they're at home, I see the Hawkeyes winning by double digits.
Week 11 - at Indiana Hoosiers
Prediction: WIN (6-4)
Indiana hasn't been very good in quite some time, and with quarterback Nate Sudfeld now in the NFL, they have the challenge of breaking in a new quarterback. That means good things for Penn State's defense.
Week 12 - at Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Prediction: WIN (7-4)
Rutgers is trying to find a way to build their program to find some sort of footing in the Big Ten, and they haven't been able to do that. Penn State wins this game pretty easily.
Week 13 - vs Michigan State Spartans
Prediction: LOSS (7-5)
Penn State's weakness is along the line on both sides of the ball - the place where Michigan State is the strongest. Spartans win comfortably.
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