No. 22 Penn State at Auburn Prediction for Week 3
Odds, best bets and analysis for this college football matchup
Matthew Horner - Sep 15, 2022, 9:01pm EDT
No. 22 Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State almost got beat by Purdue in Week 1, which was a popular upset pick by many but ultimately fell short. In Week 2, the Nittany Lions absolutely crushed the Ohio Bobcats. Ohio had just whipped Florida Atlantic the week prior, so it isn't like they are some terrible team that can't contend at all. Penn State, of course, was going to win but they showed they can win in many ways out there last week. The rushing attack was explosive, and the passing attack hit 300 yards for the second game in a row. The defense did a fantastic job limiting the Bobcats to almost nothing, and this was a total team effort win.
There were problems against Aidan O’Connell and the Purdue passing game, but the secondary held its own against that really good offense. Between that game and the Ohio win, Penn State has allowed just 48% of all passes to be completed. They also one turnover so far, which is a very important stat.
Auburn Tigers
One thing we can count on with Auburn is their stingy run defense, and that has been the case once again in 2022. Last season, they held Penn State to 90 yards and just 2.7 yards per carry in a 28-20 loss, and they might be even better this year. Auburn has a lot of problems, but stopping the run certainly isn't one of them. Penn State is going to have to win this through the air, and do we really trust Sean Clifford in a big spot on the road against an SEC opponent?
As I stated before, Auburn has it's problems as well. It took a bit too much for the Tigers to get by San Jose State, a team they should have blasted into the sun. QB TJ Finley needs to play better than he has, with one touchdown to three interceptions so far. However, as long as the defense keeps generating pressure and the offense can get something out of the running game, they should keep this one close.
My Prediction
I fully expect this to be a rock fight. A low-scoring affair between two good defenses and questionable offense. However, I feel like the Nittany Lions have the edge here. They were already tested this season on the road against a really good conference rival and won. The secondary can definitely stop the passing attack of Auburn, and I think Clifford makes the throws he needs to make when he needs to make them.
James Franklin's coaching is always frightening, but I'm rolling with Penn State here -3.
