#6 Penn State vs Akron Preview

steemsports (80)in #steemsports • 7 years ago

SteemSports Presenter:@hogan22

SteemSports Editor:@scottybuckets

The Penn State Nittany Lions enter today with a top ten ranking and dreams of a National Championship. They had a phenomenal season in 2016 and were the odd man out in the college football playoffs. They return 18 starters and are loaded on offense. There hasn't been this much excitement in Happy Valley since the glory days of Joe Paterno.

They open up the season today against the Akron Zips. Penn State is favored by 31 points and the over/under is 65. The bookmakers expect a lot of scorning and we will tell you why.

What to watch when Penn State has the ball:

Quarterback Trace McSorely is back for the Nittany Lions. He put up incredible numbers last year. McSorely threw for 3,614 yards and 29 touchdowns. He has plenty of weapons back, including wide receiver Mike Gesicki who had 679 yards and 5 touchdowns. But the biggest weapon back for Penn State is running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley is the best running back in the country and is a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. Last year, he ran for 1,496 yards and 18 touchdowns. He has set a goal of hitting the 2,000 yard mark this season.

Look for Penn State to go over the 40 point total with ease today. McSorely and Barkley will put up gaudy numbers and get the season started right. Barkley will have a shot at hitting the 200 yard mark today and get into the endzone multiple times. They will host Pittsburgh next week and have another potential big offensive day.

What to watch when Akron has the ball:

Akron is lead by Head Coach Terry Bowden. He has a great offensive mind and has some big talent back at quarterback with Thomas Woodson back under center. Last year, Woodson was banged up most of the season. He did still throw for 2,079 yards and 18 touchdowns. But when healthy, he is just as much of a threat with his feet. Along with Woodson’s return is Austin Wolf at wide receiver who caught 550 yards and 5 touchdowns last year. In the backfield, the Zips brings back their top 3 running backs, led by Van Edwards.

Even with a 31 point spread, Akron is a dangerous team to play. Woodson has star potential at quarterback. If he can move the ball and keep the plays alive with his feet, the Zips will put up some points in Happy Valley. The Nittany Lions had better not overlook this team or the fans will be sweating it out.

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