It would take an absurd level of mental gymnastics to believe the UCLA Bruins have a chance to upset the Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday. The No. 7 team in the nation visits the Rose Bowl for a Big Ten Conference showdown.
Penn State is coming off a frustrating overtime loss at home versus Oregon, but while quarterback Drew Allar struggled for most of the game (and the season), he was able to bring Penn State back in the game in the fourth quarter after being down by double digits. Allar should be able to continue that success against a weak Bruin defense.
Allar might not have to do much to get a win on Saturday, as the Nittany Lions’ offensive line is surely drooling over the idea of facing a Bruin defensive front that has allowed over 200 rushing yards per game this season.
Nittany Lions Wire writer Andrew Deal wrote about Saturday’s lopsided matchup.
“If the Penn State rushing attack isn’t looking forward to facing this rush defense, then there are problems. The Bruins are one of the worst teams in the country against the run despite not facing anywhere near the running game that Penn State can bring. Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton could both be in for big days in what will likely be a game that is heavily reliant on the running game,” Deal wrote.
The Nittany Lions’ passing attack should also have a field day against the woeful Bruins.
“Despite the Bruins’ passing yards allowed per game being near the top in the country, the yards per attempt are one of the worst. 8.2 yards per attempt signifies that on a first-down passing play, UCLA is setting itself up for a short-yardage second-down play, which isn’t ideal. Drew Allar hasn’t thrown it deep often, and that shows in the numbers. Allar’s attempts are typically medium to short throws with a lot of screens, checkdowns and touch passes involved in the offensive game plan.” wrote Deal.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Penn State rushing attack should have a field day against weak UCLA defensive front
Reporting by Dylan McNeill, UCLA Wire / UCLA Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
