Penn State Vs. Delaware Predictions: What Are the Odds?
Since the betting line arrived late for today's Penn State-Delaware game (the Lions are a 42.5-point favorite, per FanDuel), let's contemplate an interesting over-under: The number of Nittany Lions who will play. Two years ago, 69 Penn State players saw action in the team's 38-17 win over Villanova, the last FCS opponent Penn State has faced. Will the Lions go over that number against Delaware?
Penn State plans to rotate a significant number of players into this game, particularly with a visit to Illinois looming next week. The Lions could play three quarterbacks, including true freshman Jaxon Smolik, and maybe another 4-6 members of their freshman class. It's also a good time to test-drive some new rotations on the offensive line. Players like Nick Dawkins and Vega Ioane should get a bunch of snaps.
Why is Penn State playing Delaware? The same reason it added Villanova to the schedule in 2021. The Big Ten in 2017 rescinded the rule prohibiting teams from playing FCS teams, and Penn State's scheduling philosophy includes these games in odd years when it hosts three non-conference home games. The Lions are scheduled to host Villanova again in 2025 and Delaware in 2027. It's a practical means for building a schedule that includes nine conference games.
It's also good for Delaware, which gets a check and a showcase afternoon at Beaver Stadium. Delaware is among the nation's better FCS programs, qualifying for the NCAA playoffs 23 times and winning six national championship, the last in 20023. Last season Delaware was among four FCS programs to surpass 100,000 fans in season attendance, playing before a total of 101,410 in its six home games. The Blue Hens could see that number Saturday at Beaver Stadium, weather depending. The experience is just as important to them as it is for Penn State's young players.
Penn State (1-0) vs. Delaware (1-0)
When: Noon ET Saturday
Where: Beaver Stadium
Streaming: Peacock
Betting Line: No line
Series History: First meeting
The Storyline
Penn State's run game wasn't necessarily quiet against West Virginia. More like subdued. Running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen combined for 121 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, a fair first game's work. Singleton nearly broke his opening carry for a big gain, and Allen averaged 5.1 yards per attempt. According to the game's advanced-stat package, Penn State recorded a 53 percent rushing success rate (above 50 percent is desirable). So a good start all around. Now comes the next step.
The Lions should be able to run against a three-man Delaware line that averages 267 pounds per lineman. This isn't the Penn State offense that rushed for 80 yards against Villanova in 2021 and allowed eight tackles for loss. The Lions should rush for at least 200 yards, with one of the lead backs reaching 100. And they should do so rather easily.
Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown in the Lions win over West Virginia.
Matthew O'Haren/USA Today Sports
Penn State Players to Watch
1. Kaytron Allen. James Franklin made a point this week to note how "fortunate" and "blessed" the program is to have the sophomore back. That could translate into extra carries Saturday.
2. Theo Johnson. The tight end spent extra time on blocking assignments last week, limiting him to one target and no catches. Johnson scores a touchdown this week.
3. Chop Robinson. The defensive end wasn't pleased with his game against West Virginia. Delaware's quick passing game might curtail his pass-rush opportunities, but Robinson is motivated to get on track.
Delaware Players to Watch
1. Ryan O'Connor. The quarterback threw for 346 yards and a touchdown against Stony Brook in his first career start. Look for him to test Penn State's secondary on some vertical routes.
2. Kym Wimberley Jr. Among the Blue Hens' 21 transfers, Wimberley debuted with 5 catches in in the opener. He and Chandler Harvin are among five Delaware receivers with 1,000 career receiving yards.
3. Keeno Arrington. Name sound familiar? Yes, his father is LaVar. Arrington, who transferred from Lackawanna College, plays safety for the Blue Hens.
Predictions
Max Ralph: Let’s not overthink this one. Penn State is a top-10 team taking on an FCS opponent. It’s a tuneup and nothing more. That said, Penn State’s offensive and defensive lines need this game to establish more physicality than they did a week ago. Nick Singleton breaks a long touchdown after coming close last week, and Beau Pribula throws his first touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of a blowout. The Nittany Lions' defense pins its ears back all day. Penn State 45, Delaware 3.
Mark Wogenrich: Penn State completed 73.3 percent of its passing attempts, functionally allowed one touchdown, committed one penalty and didn't turn over the ball against West Virginia. Those are strong metrics for an opener. In fact, they'll be tough to match against even an FCS opponent. The Lions should gauge progress Saturday on some other projects, rushing yards per carry and sacks among them. Also, kicker Sander Sahaydak deserves a reset, even if he doesn't get a field-goal rep. Penn State 49, Delaware 7.
More on Penn State
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James Franklin 'comfortable' with Penn State scoring late TD vs. West Virginia
Kicker Sander Sahaydak addresses teammates after tough game vs. West Virginia
Penn State's Abdul Carter charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession
'That's just the beginning,' Penn State receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith says
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