College Football Week 2 schedule and predictions

Pittsburgh Panthers at No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions

Kickoff: Saturday, Sep. 9, 3:30 p.m., ABC

The Nittany Lions had a dominant victory in Week 1, taking down Akron 52-0, behind RB Saquon Barkley. Pittsburgh had a close victory over Youngstown State, but managed to win anyways. This will be an in-state matchup that will have all of Pennsylvania buzzing.

Penn State is favored heavily in this game, but let’s take a look at three things to watch and a final prediction.

Pittsburgh at Penn State: Three Things to Watch

1. Penn State RB Saquon Barkley’s rushing total

The consensus best running back in all of college football resides at Penn State: Saquon Barkley. Last week, he dotted Akron for 172 rushing yards and two touchdowns as the Nittany Lions won by over 50 points.

Expect more of the same against Pittsburgh this week. The Panthers don’t have much of an answer for Barkley, so it could be a long day for them. Watch to see how high that rushing total gets for the Penn State RB.

2. Can the Penn State defense shut out Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh is definitely far better than Akron, who were just out-matched talent and coaching-wise. The Zips didn’t score a single point against a vaunted Penn State defense in Week 1, but I think the Panthers likely score on the Nittany Lions.

I don’t think they score enough for Pittsburgh to pull the game out, but nonetheless they won’t put up a zero on the scoreboard.

3. Can Pittsburgh put its foot on the gas?

Last week, the Panthers were up 21-0 against Youngstown State, before they let off the gas and let the game get competitive.

This week will be much different, but can Pittsburgh continue to put pressure on Penn State and not let up mentally? That’ll be a big question to watch, with leaders Nathan Peterman and James Conner no longer there in Pittsburgh.

Prediction:

In May, Penn State opened up as three-touchdown favorites. That’s enough for me. Penn State will win big at home.

Penn State 45, Pittsburgh 17