Penn State will face a formidable challenge as they attempt to end a five-game losing streak against the second-ranked Indiana Hoosiers this Saturday at noon. The game, which will be broadcast on FOX, marks a critical moment for the Nittany Lions under interim head coach Terry Smith.
Smith has repeatedly used a weather metaphor to encapsulate the struggle his team is encountering. “Yes, we”re in a storm,” said safety King Mack. “Yes, it”s hard. But we”re going to get ourselves out of it. We”re going through tough times, but we can either view this as an opportunity for growth or let the storm overwhelm us.” Penn State is keen on finding a way to brighter skies against a Hoosiers team that has been tearing through the competition this season.
Indiana arrives with a perfect 9-0 record, including a spotless 6-0 in the Big Ten. They have outscored opponents by a staggering combined total of 418-97. The closest any team has come to defeating them was Iowa, who fell 20-15 in a hard-fought game in Iowa City. The Hoosiers are currently favored by 14.5 points to win at Beaver Stadium, where Smith will be coaching his first home game since taking over for the dismissed James Franklin.
Following a narrow loss to Northwestern, which ended in a 22-21 defeat, Penn State fans expressed their frustration by booing Franklin and quarterback Drew Allar, who sustained a season-ending leg injury during the game. “We need our crowd to cheer us,” Smith emphasized. “We need family. We need support. It”s crucial to encourage our players during tough times.”
The Nittany Lions have not beaten a top-five team since their upset victory over No. 2 Ohio State in 2016. They are currently on a 15-game losing streak against top-five opponents, which includes a recent double-overtime loss to No. 5 Oregon and a 38-14 defeat against No. 1 Ohio State.
Linebacker Dominic DeLuca expressed the team”s frustration: “It”s been a long couple of weeks. Nothing really has been going our way. We need to elevate everyone”s morale and get back to playing our game on Saturday—hard, fast, and physical.”
The challenge posed by Indiana is significant. The Hoosiers rank first in the nation for scoring, averaging 46.4 points per game, and are also among the top teams in total offense and defense. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a transfer from California, boasts an impressive pass efficiency ranking second in the country, completing 72.3% of his passes for 2,124 yards, 25 touchdowns, and four interceptions. Wide receivers Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt have combined for 91 catches, 1,278 yards, and 18 touchdowns, outperforming notable talents from Ohio State.
The Hoosiers also excel defensively, holding a plus-12 turnover margin, which includes 13 interceptions. “They are quick to the ball,” said quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, who will be making his first home start. “Their defensive line is fast and physical, which aids the secondary in creating turnovers.” Penn State is determined to avoid its first six-game losing streak since 2004, a feat that has only occurred three times in the program”s history.
As the team looks to navigate out of this storm, Mack concluded, “The energy in the locker room is great. Everyone”s in high spirits because we get to play the game we love. We know we put ourselves in this position, and it”s up to us to find a way out.”
Rich Scarcella predicts a score of Indiana 31, Penn State 17, highlighting the Hoosiers” significant average margin of victory and their prowess on both sides of the ball. Protecting the football will be crucial for the Nittany Lions if they hope to keep the game close.
