After a close loss to Ohio State, the Penn State vs Indiana match-up is much more important for the Nittany Lions. Penn State went back and forth with Ohio State until losing it in the fourth quarter. After so much hope, but losing their second game of the season, here are three players to watch in the Penn State vs Indiana matchup.
Penn State vs Indiana: Parker Washington
Sophomore wide receiver, Parker Washington has truly demonstrated how strong of a player he is and the value he brings to the team. No matter what the Nittany Lion’s record is, he is a player to watch during Penn State vs Indiana and all the games following.
This Season
This season, Washington has been doing a great job being a playmaker. According to Sports Reference, Washington totals 567 yards from 41 receptions. Not only that, but he averages 13.8 yards per catch. This is a high average insinuating that he almost always can get the team a first down. Washington has been putting the team on his back, gaining many yards after the catch, and always putting his full effort into the game. Surprisingly, the receiver only has two touchdowns this season, but look for this number to rise in the Penn State vs Indiana matchup.
Vs Ohio State
Despite what the final score indicates, Penn State nearly beat Ohio State. During the game, Washington totaled 179 yards from 11 receptions and one touchdown, according to ESPN. What is most impressive, is that Washington averaged 16.3 yards per reception. Washington has done really well with being a deep threat for the Nittany Lions. His one touchdown was not a far throw, but he managed to break many tackles to score a 58-yard touchdown. You can watch a video of the play here, posted by the Big Ten Network. If Washington did this well against a team like Ohio State, he is a player to watch in the matchup of Penn State vs Indiana.
Penn State vs Indiana: Kaytron Allen
The future of the run game for the Nittany Lions is bright. Between the two true freshmen, Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, the running back position is set to succeed for a long time. Singleton recently got his first start this season against the Ohio State Buckeyes and he made it worth it.
This Season
Allen has a total of 472 yards from 90 attempts this season. Penn State does not have the best passing game, but the run game has been pretty strong. For only having one start on the season, Allen’s total yardage is great and will only get better. The running back averages 5.2 yards per attempt and has five rushing touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. What also makes Allen special for this team is he has 9 receptions for 65 yards and one receiving touchdown. Being able to catch gives the running back more chances to help his team, especially with the opposing defense having to watch for Singleton as well.
Vs Ohio State
The young running back made his first start against Ohio State just this past weekend. In his first start, he had 12 carries for 76 yards according to ESPN. Not only did he have one rushing touchdown, but a receiving one as well. As mentioned before, Allen can make catches, and against the Buckeyes, he had two receptions for 13 yards. While it is still unknown who will get the start at running back in the Penn State vs Indiana game, look for Allen to be a difference-maker this weekend.
Penn State vs Indiana: The Quarterback
I heavily debated putting true freshman quarterback Drew Allar as my player to watch this week in the matchup between Penn State vs Indiana. I feel now that the team has lost two games this season, it is time to focus on the future. Allar is the future of the university and has a young team that he should develop with sooner rather than later.
Usually, when asked about who will be playing quarterback, head coach James Franklin has defended quarterback Sean Clifford. After the loss, his answer switched up a bit. He still would not say Allar will start, and there is a good chance it will still be Clifford, but it is interesting to think about. This Penn State team as a whole is good, they are just young in many positions. This means there is a lot of room for growth.
According to a tweet by Audrey Snyder, a reporter for the Athletic covering Penn State football, she states in response to questions about Allar “Franklin said it’s a decision he will not make on his own.” He also stated he understands the questions about the position. While this does not say anything about who will start, this is the most uncertain the decision has sounded so far this season. The quarterback position will be very important to watch during the game between Penn State vs Indiana.
Penn State vs Indiana will take place this Saturday for a 3:30 Eastern kickoff on ABC. Be sure to watch these three, maybe four, players in this week’s Big Ten Matchup.
For more NFL and NCAA content
Check out my Penn State article on the safety measures that the University put in place ahead of their game vs Ohio State. Also, check out my top five Super Bowl Candidates as of week eight!
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