Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Indiana Hoosiers: Betting odds, point spread and

“We played differently than we normally do in certain situations, and it didn’t pay off. We didn’t connect how we normally do”. Coach James Franklin said afterward that he did receive reps at a few point, however. It likely will on Saturday.

Penn State hosts Indiana on Saturday, as the Nittany Lions begin Big Ten play in earnest.

Penn State is now ranked eighth in the nation with a plus-1.60 turnover margin. He is averaging 15.2 yards per reception.

The Lions have 21 sacks this season, second-most in the nation, while the Hoosiers have allowed just three. Penn State will be looking for consistency across the board in its passing game.

How has QB Christian Hackenberg progressed since last season? Indiana gives a lot of that. Von Walker, Manny Bowen and Jake Cooper have all played a role in Penn State’s success on defense.

It will be hard to gauge exactly what Penn State is bringing here, because it’s not clear who the running backs will be.

Offensively, the Lions picked up touchdowns from both Mike Gesicki and redshirt freshman Nick Scott.

Will RB Saquon Barkley play? If he plays, and can do so healthy, PSU has a different dimension.

Indiana’s defensive line is solid as well; they have nailed out 12 sacks on the season so far. Penn State has won eight out of the last 10 on Homecoming. Quarterback Nate Sudfield and running back Jordan Howard were knocked out of the game but are expected to play this week. If he plays, he’s a fast, powerful runner who can wear down a defense. Howard’s primary backup is Devine Redding. On the defensive side of the ball Penn State will have to keep an eye on linebackers Marcus Oliver and TJ Simmons who lead Indiana with 68 combined tackles. Punter Erich Toth is averaging 41 yards per punt and has helped the Hoosiers consistently win field position battles.

PSU leads 17-1, and is 8-0 against the Hoosiers in Beaver Stadium.

The senior has been downright dominant rushing the passer this season and Penn State will need a big game out of him if they want to slow down Sudfeld and the Hoosiers passing game. Against the Black Knights, Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg passed for 156 yards and one touchdown in the win. That said, winning won’t be easy for a team that now has to get ready for what could be two very different offenses.

-Scout-team standouts: Who is giving Penn State the best practice looks? Two things it hasn’t done well all season.