No. 9 Penn State Hosts 24th-Ranked Indiana

Penn State tight end Nick Bowers (83) celebrates with teammate offensive lineman Rasheed Walker (53) after Bowers scored a touchdown during an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 31-26. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)

By The Associated Press

No. 24 Indiana (7-2, 4-2 Big Ten) at No. 9 Penn State (8-1, 5-1, No. 9 CFP), Saturday at 12 p.m. EST (ABC).

Line: Penn State by 14 1/2.

Series record: Penn State leads 21-1.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

The Nittany Lions are coming off their first loss but are still very much in the race for a playoff spot. The Hoosiers could dash that, however. They’ll enter Beaver Stadium ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time in more than 15 years.

KEY MATCHUP

Indiana WR Whop Philyor vs. Penn State’s secondary. Minnesota gashed the usually sturdy Penn State defense for 339 passing yards with scores of 66, 38 and 21 yards last week. Not only has Philyor put up some monster games, including a pair of 14-catch performances, but Indiana QB Peyton Ramsey is playing really well.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Indiana: Ramsey. The Hoosier quarterback is completing 72% of his passes and has tossed four touchdowns with just one interception over the last three games.

Penn State: DE Yetur Gross-Matos. Penn State’s best pass rusher has been held without a sack in four straight games and will have another tough test as the Hoosiers have allowed just 13 sacks on the season.

FACTS & FIGURES

Penn State has won seven straight at Beaver Stadium but hasn’t played at home since Oct. 19. … The Nittany Lions are allowing an FBS-best 2.12 yards per rush. … Clifford leads the Big Ten in passing yards (2,271) and in total offense per game (287.8). … The Nittany Lions have never played a ranked Indiana team. … The Hoosiers have won four in a row. … Stevie Scott III leads Indiana with 148 carries for 737 yards with nine touchdowns. … Indiana’s last 7-2 start came in 1993. … The Hoosiers were last ranked in the AP Top 25 on Sept. 20, 1994. … Penn State DT Antonio Shelton is expected to return after serving a one game suspension for spitting at a Michigan State player.

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Source: The Village Reporter