Previewing Penn State vs. Washington this weekend, the sixth-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions will look to right the ship when they host the Huskies in the White Out Game. This is Penn State’s sixth Big Ten contest of the season, and they are 4-1 in the conference so far. The Nittany Lions suffered their first defeat last week. With a 20-13 loss to Ohio State. Penn State should not need any extra motivation to win conference games at this point in the season. However, it is the White Out Game. Additionally, James Franklin, Drew Allar, and company will be looking to prove losses last week are an exception (though they seem to happen every year). Following Washington, Penn State faces Purdue on the road before traveling to Minnesota.
The Huskies enter the game with a record of 5-4 and are 3-3 in their Big Ten games. Washington has had a bit of an up-and-down season thus far. They have won Big Ten games against teams like Michigan and USC. On the other hand, they have lost to Rutgers. Following the Penn State game, Washington will host UCLA before traveling to play #1 Oregon to finish the season. The Huskies are fighting to confirm bowl eligibility.
Washington (5-4) at #6 Penn State (7-1) Preview: Right the Ship
When & Where: Saturday, November 9, 8:00 pm ET, at Penn State (Beaver Stadium)
Last Game’s Results: Penn State lost to Ohio State by a score of 20-13. Washington beat USC at home by a score of 26-21.
Last Season’s Results: Penn State finished ranked #13 after a 10-3 season that ended with a Peach Bowl loss to Ole Miss. Washington finished #2, with a record of 14-1 overall. Their season ended with a 34-13 loss to Michigan in the College Football Playoff final.
Series History: This is the fourth time the teams will meet. Penn State won all three prior contests. The teams last met in the 2017 Fiesta Bowl, where Penn State won 35-28. The last, and only, regular season matchup was in 1921.
Penn State vs. Washington Preview: Key Nittany Lions to Watch
Quarterback Drew Allar
After a tough game against Ohio State last time out, quarterback Drew Allar will look to right the ship against Washington. However, he will be facing a very tough Washington passing defense.
Allar’s talents are undeniable. In the offseason, he worked on developing two areas in particular. First was his ability to run with the football. Allar has shown good development in this area. He is third on the team with 44 carries for 160 yards. Allar’s three rushing touchdowns are tied for second on the team with Nick Singleton (one behind Kaytron Allen’s team-leading four rushing scores). Second, Allar wanted to become more of a leader. With Andy Kotelnicki coming in as the new offensive coordinator, Allar started the 2024 season with a clean slate. He stepped up and was named a team captain. His leadership skills will now be put to an even greater test after the team’s first loss.
The biggest criticism of Allar is his ability to win the big games. His stats were adequately padded against lesser competition in 2023. However, in the heavyweight games against Michigan, Ohio State, and Ole Miss, he did not perform as well. Last week’s loss to Ohio State did not quiet those concerns. Allar completed 12 of 20 passes for 146 yards, with no touchdowns and an interception. His ability to bounce back and right the ship makes Allar a Nittany Lion to watch.
Washington’s pass defense is second in the country entering this game. They have allowed 142 passing yards per game, only behind Texas’s 135.8 yards per game. Franklin alluded to this in his Monday press conference. He said of Washington, “Statistically their numbers are really good. Specifically, when you talk pass defense.”
Defensive Backs Jaylen Reed and Zion Tracy
While there have been question marks throughout the team, the defensive backs have stepped up. Entering this season, they were a strong point for new defensive coordinator Tom Allen and his scheme. The long-term injury to leader KJ Winston proved a significant hurdle to their development, but they have continued to perform well.
Penn State has returned an interception for a touchdown in two straight games. Jaylen Reed had a 19-yard touchdown return in the win over Wisconsin. Zion Tracy followed this with the only touchdown the team scored against Ohio State. This is the first time that Penn State has scored pick-sixes in two straight games for the first time since 2003.
Reed leads the team with 50 tackles this season. Additionally, he has two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), one and a half sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Losing Winston put more pressure on Reed, but he has responded very well.
Tracy is an interesting player. The sophomore cornerback scored the touchdown against Ohio State last week. However, he has contributed in a multitude of ways, including both defense and special teams. He has returned eight punts on the season so far. Franklin called out Tracy’s development in his Monday presser, saying, “I did think that Zion Tracy is really coming on, not only as a defensive player but also as a special teams player. Looked a lot more confident catching and returning punts. He continues to trend in a really positive direction for our team.” The playmaking ability, and versatility, that both Reed and Tracy provide make them Nittany Lions to watch as Penn State looks to right the ship.
