Pitt-Penn State: Three keys to victory

Photo creds to Onward State

Today is the day. It's Pitt and Penn State. No more needs to be said about the rivalry in general. As a PSU die-hard, I obviously want the Nittany Lions to beat the hated Panthers. Here are three things that Penn State can do to get that done.

1. Mike Gesicki

Photo creds to Land of 10

The 6 foot 5, 215-pound tight end developed into one of the best in college football at his position last season. Not only is Gesicki a giant; he is also a deep-ball threat that is capable of making a highlight reel catch downfield.

A lot of the attention coming into today's game centers around Saquon Barkley, and rightly so. But if offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead is smart, he will recognize that Pitt has nobody to match up with Gesicki and design the offense to where the big man is heavily involved. Next to Barkley and Trace McSorley, Gesicki is arguably the most valuable player in Penn State's offense. If they use him correctly, I don't think Pitt will have a solution.

2. Pressure Max Browne

Photo creds to Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Because of how loaded Penn State is offensively, we tend to forget that this defense is solid, too.

The Nittany Lion defensive line is particularly promising. Shareef Miller, Curtis Cothran, Parker Cothren and Torrence Brown make up a talented front four that could create problems for Pitt's inexperienced offensive line. If the defensive line can out muscle Pitt and put pressure on its quarterback, Max Browne, it will be hard for the Panthers to score points. If Pitt's offense can't put at least 35 on the board, they won't win the game. If defenders are in Browne's face, it will be hard for Pitt to score as much as they need to.


3. No big mistakes. 

For a big upset to take place, a few things have to happen. The underdog has to play an almost perfect game, while the team that is favored has to make some big mistakes.

Pitt's win over Clemson in Death Valley last season is a perfect example. As good as the Panthers were that day, if DeShaun Watson doesn't throw a red zone interception late in the fourth quarter and if Clemson converts a crucial 4th and 2 with a late lead, that upset doesn't take place.

In short, if the Nittany Lions take care of the ball and don't take any stupid penalties, they will win the game. But a few big mistakes could lead to a big upset if Penn State isn't careful.





Final Prediction

Penn State is three touchdown favorites for a reason. They are the team that's in the top five. They are the team with the best player in college football in the backfield. They are the team one of the best offenses in the country. They are the team gunning for a national title. Pitt is a team in transition that should have lost to Youngstown State. RIP 42-39.

Penn State 52, Pitt 17