Five reasons for optimism for Penn State against Northwestern

For some Penn State fans, it may feel like the sky is falling. After hopes of a championship-caliber season, fans are starting to fret over the team's past two losses, wondering what happened to the team they were presented in the preseason. While hope seems lost, they will take things now a game at a time. The Northwestern Wildcats, although on a two game winning streak, are a good place for the Nittany Lions to start their rebound efforts. Here are five reasons Penn State fans should feel optimistic about Penn State's chances against the Wildcats.

Kaytron Allen could receive more touches

It sounds like a quite simple formula, but it could be quite effective in this matchup. Kaytron has averaged 7.1 yards per carry and already has 6 touchdowns, but has only 54 carries to his name. While the dynamic between him and Singleton is distinct, the fact that Penn State has struggled outside of Allen's play is very telling in terms of their offensive inconsistencies. Northwestern's run defense, however, could offer a perfect chance for Allen to be let loose. They have allowed an average of 184.5 rush yards per game and are begging to be torn apart on the ground. This could be Allen's breakthrough game and the key to unlocking the rest of the offense.

Clear home-field advantage for Nittany Lions

Penn State's record at home against the Wildcats is nothing short of impeccable. They are not only 9-2 at Beaver Stadium, but they also lead the all-time series 16-5 and have won the last three contests. The last time these teams met in State College, the Nittany Lions won 17-7. Last year, on the road, the defense was dominant, having 12 TFLs, 7 sacks, and a pick. If there's any team that Penn State can get back on track against in the Big Ten, it's the Northwestern Wildcats.

Northwestern is turnover-prone

Speaking of Penn State's defense, they could have yet another field day against Preston Stone and the Wildcats' offense. While Preston Stone is the second consecutive former five-star recruit the Nittany Lions will face, he has not played like it thus far. In just four games, Stone has thrown 6 interceptions. To top it all off, the team has fumbled the ball six times, losing two. That turnover margin of minus-6 ranks 127th nationally, one of the worst in college football. Look for a dormant Penn State secondary to finally come alive.

Offense has a chance to be explosive

Although it might shock some people, Drew Allar has been somewhat efficient to start the year. He has completed almost 65 percent of his passes, has 8 touchdowns and only two interceptions. While the noise around him has been negative, he did play perhaps his best game of the season last week and looked highly competent while doing so. However, this Penn State offense has lacked an explosive element. This week, against a Wildcats defense with a propensity to give up big plays, Allar could find joy in throwing the football downfield. With the weak run defense and the leaky secondary, Penn State should be able to take full advantage.

Northwestern won't run the ball as well as UCLA and Oregon

Unlike UCLA and Oregon, Northwestern doesn't necessarily have a reliable run game. They certainly have experience in sixth-year starter Cam Porter, but they don't have the production they require to stay in games. The running backs have only combined for 734 yards and five touchdowns. While the averages look good, with them averaging 5.0 yards per carry and 183.5 per game, there has been no consensus back. In fact, lead back Cam Porter has the fewest yards of the group with 137. Don't expect the Wildcats to come out trying to exploit Penn State on the ground. If there's one player to look out for, though, it could be junior back Joseph Himon II, their second leading rusher.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Five reasons for optimism for Penn State against Northwestern