No. 2 Indiana will look to secure its first victory in Happy Valley as it faces a struggling Penn State team on Saturday. Interim coach Terry Smith is aware that time is running out for the Nittany Lions (3-5, 0-5 Big Ten), who are trying to snap a five-game losing streak.
Since taking over after James Franklin was dismissed on October 12, Smith has faced significant challenges. The Nittany Lions have faltered in two of the Big Ten”s most demanding environments, losing narrowly to Iowa (25-24) and decisively to top-ranked Ohio State (38-14). As the athletic department searches for a new head coach, Smith is tasked with re-recruiting players who initially committed to the program.
“The reality is no one knows who is going to be here,” Smith remarked. “When the next head coach is hired, that person could wipe the whole building out. We just try to stay grounded, keep our feet on the ground, and be professionals. The young men in the locker room, they deserve that. They”re showing up to work every single day, so us as coaching and as a staff, we have to give our 110% for these guys.”
In contrast, Indiana coach Curt Cignetti has transformed the program in just two seasons. The Hoosiers posted a school-record 11 wins last season and made their inaugural playoff appearance. Currently, they boast a 14-game home winning streak and are aiming for their first victory in State College after 14 unsuccessful attempts. Historically, Indiana has struggled against Penn State, holding a dismal record of 2-25 in their matchups.
Cignetti is cautious about discussing the past, emphasizing the importance of earning success through hard work. “Everything in this game is earned, not given, and you”ve got to earn it every single day,” he stated. “The game gives you nothing. You get out what you put in. We”ve got to really be sharp this week and have a great mindset.”
Indiana”s offense will be without starting guard Drew Evans, who missed the last game due to an undisclosed injury. The status of two other key players, preseason All-American linebacker Aiden Fisher and leading receiver Elijah Sarratt, remains uncertain ahead of Saturday”s game. Fisher suffered a left knee injury during a game against UCLA and was unable to play against Maryland, while Sarratt left last week”s matchup early with a hamstring injury, compounded by another undisclosed issue. Sarratt, however, is tied for second among FBS players with 10 touchdown receptions this season.
Indiana faced a UCLA team undergoing midseason changes recently, and while Cignetti chose not to analyze film from before those changes, he is taking a different approach this week. “The defensive coordinator is still in place, and obviously we faced him last season at Ohio State, so that part of it really hasn”t changed,” Cignetti explained. “We put a little bit more weight, obviously, on some games than others in our breakdowns. Same with the offense. But in regards to our defensive preparation, there will be obviously a strong focus on their offense since this fella, Ethan Grunkemyer, has been playing quarterback.”
Meanwhile, Penn State is striving to boost its vertical passing game. Smith has committed to utilizing freshman receivers Tyseer Denmark and Koby Howard, though both have seen limited action recently. The Nittany Lions currently rank 104th nationally, having completed only 62 passes of 10 or more yards, and just 16 passes exceeding 20 yards. “We keep saying that,” Smith acknowledged. “It”s my job to make sure it gets changed. It will get changed this week. I”m talking with the offensive staff. We”re going to push the ball a little bit further down the field.”
As the Nittany Lions prepare for this critical matchup, both teams are aware of the stakes involved, making for a compelling contest in Happy Valley.
