Northwestern at Penn State

Maybe, just maybe, Penn State isn't all that it is cracked up to be. Losing to Oregon in double overtime two weeks ago is understandable. But falling to UCLA, 42-37, as a 25-point road favorite last week definitely raises red flags. Northwestern also played UCLA and won, 17-14. The Wildcats are 3-2. Their other victories have been against Western Illinois and Louisiana-Monroe by 35 points. The Wildcats' two losses were to Oregon and Tulane, each by a 20-point margin. Preston Stone has provided Northwestern with its best quarterback play over the past several years, and its defense ranks 28th, surrendering just 17 points per game. Penn State's mental state comes into question since the Nittany Lions had aspirations of a national title. The Lions had not lost two straight games in four years. Their offensive and defensive lines have not lived up to expectations, and quarterback Drew Allar has been inconsistent. Penn State holds a superior talent edge, but can't be counted on to cover a number this large. Take Northwestern.