Maintain pass-rush momentum

Early in the season, the Nittany Lions were not translating pressure into consistent sacks (four in three games). Abdul Cartermoving from linebacker to defensive end, was still adjusting. Today, things have completely changed.

Still ranked fourth in FBS total defense (269.3 yards allowed per game), Penn State’s pass rush has found its stride recently, recording 19 sacks in its last six games, including five against Washington last week and three against Ohio State. Naturally, Carter has been the focal point of this offense, totaling four sacks and a forced fumble in those two games alone.

When Carter consistently crushes offensive linemen, the rest of the defensive line follows and Penn State’s unit immediately becomes one of the most dangerous in the country. There’s no doubt the Nittany Lions can put pressure on Purdue quarterback Hudson Card as well, with the Boilermakers allowing 2.67 sacks per game.

However, the hotter Carter and Penn State’s pass rush stays, the more challenges they will present in the postseason. Look for Purdue, which allowed four sacks to Ohio State last week, to struggle to protect Card.

RELATED: ‘Confident’ Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton to play at Purdue

Play a complete offensive game

Even with an 8-1 record, it seems like there’s something to be said for Penn State’s offense. It’s never easy to play a completely dominant game, but over the course of a few weeks, the Nittany Lions had clear areas to address: lack of receiver involvement, efficiency of the ground game or offense tough on the goal line against Ohio State. Facing a Purdue team that lacks defensive identity (121st in FBS with 446.4 total yards allowed per game), Penn State’s offense has the opportunity to fire on all cylinders on Saturday.

Having quarterback Drew Allar establishing a strong early connection with his wide receivers, especially with some potential plays downfield, would be a huge plus. A dominant 60-minute effort from Penn State’s running game, whether from Kaytron Allen, Nick Singleton or freshmen Quinton Martin Jr. and Corey Smith, would also be beneficial. Fresh off a 35-point effort against Washington, Penn State’s offense needs to continue its momentum.

“I don’t think we really knew how good we were doing at the time. I think at halftime we kind of regrouped and said we were 4-4 (on offensive drives) with 28 points. Beau Pribula, Penn State quarterback said about the Washington game. “You’re just kind of in that flow state, and that’s definitely how we were in the first half on Saturday.”

For Penn State, this game will likely be more about building momentum, playing a complete game, and getting reps for a variety of players rather than having to make key plays to win. The offensive game plan should resemble that of the team’s Week 4 game against Kent State, where Allar (309 yards, three touchdowns) and Pribula (83 passing yards, one touchdown) had strong playing days. passing, Allen and Singleton both averaged at least 6 yards per carry, and wide receivers Omari Evans and Liam Clifford caught touchdown passes.

Pushing for a shutout

Penn State has shut out one opponent this season: Kent State on a 56-0 day at Beaver Stadium. This game against Purdue has the potential to be a second. The Boilermakers were shut out by Oregon (35-0) and Ohio State (45-0), two Big Ten teams Penn State is looking to compete with. It’s also worth noting that both of these teams’ quarterbacks, Dillon Gabriel and Will Howard, remained on the field until the fourth quarter.

There’s no point in risking the starters’ health by playing them deep in this game, assuming it becomes a blowout. But if there’s even one opportunity for the Nittany Lions to impress the CFP committee against Purdue, a shutout would be one of them. This could mean coaches keep their foot on the gas even when using their depth plays.

Ultimately, the Nittany Lions’ best outcome against Purdue would mirror what the Ducks and Buckeyes did, while also rotating young talent for more in-game reps. With just three games remaining to argue, Franklin said Monday that it’s likely Penn State will use players from its redshirt group more often.

“I think the staff has done a really good job, as well as the players, understanding what we’re trying to do but kind of managing the four-game redshirt restriction. So you’ll start to see guys available and playing on special teams and offense and playing on special teams and defense in these last couple of games,” Franklin said. “That’s the plan, is (to) try to work some of these guys that have games available in the regular season.”

Penn State visits Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

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Daniel Mader, who graduated from Penn State in May 2024, is an editorial intern at The Sporting News. As a student reporter at the Daily Collegian, he served as sports editor and covered Nittany Lions women’s basketball, men’s volleyball and more. He also covered Penn State football for NBC Sports and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, with additional work in the Center Daily Times, Lancaster Online and more. Follow him on @DanielMader_ or Instagram @dmadersports.