In thinking about this matchup based on returning players, this looks like a game Penn St. should win. The only unit Pitt really has an edge is on the Offensive Line. Pitt's weapons don't come close to comparing. If Penn St. can slow their running game, they are screwed. Their QB is very mediocre and aside from Ollison at RB (assuming Conner isn't back yet), they have no offensive weapons. Now, stopping the running game may not be that easy. Although our linebackers should be stout,, our DL is a question mark. When Penn St. is on offense, the QB just needs to not make critical mistakes. Let the playmakers make plays and the offensive line just needs to be average. Pitt's defense is terrible other than Whitehead. Even if Hamlin breaks into the starting lineup, it would be just his 2nd start at the college level.
Based on what is happening in recruiting right now, this is a critical game and a win for Penn St. would propel them in head to head recruiting battles and pretty much destroy any hope of Pitt winning any of the games in the series because Penn St. clearly has a talent advantage that would just continue to widen. A Pitt win and recruiting could continue to struggle for Penn St. and cause that gap to close a bit.
This is a huge game when it comes to future recruiting wars.
Based on what is happening in recruiting right now, this is a critical game and a win for Penn St. would propel them in head to head recruiting battles and pretty much destroy any hope of Pitt winning any of the games in the series because Penn St. clearly has a talent advantage that would just continue to widen. A Pitt win and recruiting could continue to struggle for Penn St. and cause that gap to close a bit.
This is a huge game when it comes to future recruiting wars.