UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State didn't get a tuneup game before last week's season-opening showdown at Wisconsin. And it showed.
The Nittany Lions beat the Badgers, 16-10, but they still looked sloppy in a number of areas and actually were a bit ... umm ... lucky to get out of Madison with a victory.
Next up is Saturday's home opener against Ball State, which for all intents and purposes will serve as the tuneup game for the season.
Sure, Villanova visits in a couple of weeks, and that should be a tasty cupcake. But this Ball State team actually could pose some challenges for the Lions, so this will provide a good opportunity to work through some things looking to find answers with Auburn on the horizon next week.
First and foremost, Penn State has to get its offensive line sharper and get the running game going. Neither looked good last week, with no running lanes and only 50 yards rushing, 34 coming on one play.
Wisconsin pushed Penn State around upfront on running plays. This week offers a chance for the Lions to push back.
I asked center Mike Miranda this week how many games it takes for an offensive line to jell.
"It’s not really about games, it’s about practices we have in camp and practices we have during the week," Miranda said. "I don’t know if there’s a specific time where I’d say you start jelling or anything like that.
"As you practice every single day throughout the season it just keeps getting better and better."
What: Penn State (1-0) vs. Ball State (1-0)
When: 3:30 p.m.
Where: Beaver Stadium
TV: FS1
Box score: ESPN
Media notes: Penn State | Ball State
On the other side of the ball, Penn State's defensive line did a lot of good things at Wisconsin. But the Lions didn't get much pressure on quarterback Graham Mertz and allowed 180 yards rushing.
This is not your typical Penn State D-line. For years and years, the Lions have had so much depth on the line that they could rotate a whole bunch of guys in and out and not miss a beat. That would allow everyone to be fresh for when the game came down to the wire in the fourth quarter.
Penn State really doesn't have that luxury just yet because most of the backups don't have a ton of experience. So look to see a lot of them get a bunch of reps against Ball State.
"Penn State has always rolled guys," D-line coach John Scott Jr. said. "They've been always blessed here with a plethora of defensive linemen. One of the things, I do like to roll guys, and I think as we continue to go on through the season, I think you'll continue to see more guys roll more and more.
"That's kind of how it is a little bit when you've got a younger group of defensive linemen behind them. You've got to continue to make sure they're ready. We talk a lot in our room and on this team about showing it in practice, (and) when you have your opportunity in a game, showing it in the game. And those guys are earning our trust."
Here's a look at who has the advantages in this game:
OFFENSE
Penn State: The deep ball will always be there in this Mike Yurcich offense. We think, at least, as long as Jahan Dotson is healthy. But the Lions have to get the running game going, as mentioned above, and that means consistency. It can't just be about one or two long runs. Noah Cain, Keyvone Lee and the others need to attack holes and move defenders. Now, there were no holes last week at Wisconsin, and that falls on the line. Look for Penn State to try and establish a running game at all costs today, because it definitely is going to need it next week and the rest of the season.
Ball State: The Cardinals opened up with a 31-21 win over Western Carolina. They had 404 yards but only 18 first downs, rushing for 216 yards and throwing for 188. QB Drew Plitt completed 17-of-28 passes and had two TDs with no interceptions. Plitt is a fifth-year senior and three-year starter, so he's played a lot of football. He was second-team all-conference in the MAC last year, was Offensive MVP of the MAC Championship Game and the Arizona Bowl Offensive Player of the Game. RB Will Jones had 18 carries for 93 yards, and WR Justin Hall caught eight passes for 137 yards and two TDs, including a 49-yarder.
Advantage: Penn State
DEFENSE
Penn State: Look for the front seven to take more command of this game, getting some pressure on Plitt and focusing on the run to force the Cardinals to beat them through the air. Now, the trouble with that is Plitt is an experienced quarterback who is capable of moving the offense throwing the ball. That will give the outstanding Penn State secondary a chance to make plays, just as it did last week to seal the victory. Don't be surprised if Joey Porter Jr. and Jaquan Brisker have another big day.
Ball State: Wow, the Cardinals gave up 437 yards against Western Illinois. That is a bad sign for them, because Penn State's offense could have a really big day. Western Illinois had 367 yards passing, but only 70 rushing. So, while Penn State will be looking to get its running game going, clearly this Ball State defense can be beaten through the air.
Advantage: Penn State
COACHING/INTANGIBLES
Penn State: Beaver Stadium will be packed, which will be awesome to see after no fans were allowed last year. James Franklin picked up the biggest road win of his PSU tenure last week, and while expectations were already high entering the season, now they are sky high. Franklin preaches the 1-0 mentality and not to overlook any opponent, so the Lions generally aren't susceptible to the dreaded trap game letdown. I'm sure the coaches have made sure all week to remind the players to stay grounded and respect Ball State, which had a great year in 2020 and returns 21 starts, including 16 super seniors.
Ball State: The Cardinals have nothing to lose here as big underdogs, so you'd think coach Mike Neu will come in ready to throw everything he's got at Penn State. The Lions need to be ready for trick plays and perhaps a lot of passing, since that is one way the Cardinals probably can stay close. By the way, Ball State is getting $1.4 million for this game, so it will go home a winner regardless.
Advantage: Penn State
PREDICTION
The 22.5 point line is a lot of points, especially against a senior-laden team such as Ball State. Give me the Cardinals to cover, but PSU to win comfortably. Penn State 37, Ball State 16