Fiesta Bowl 2017: Examining Key Stats, Matchups for Washington vs. Penn State

Both the Washington Huskies and Penn State Nittany Lions entered the 2017 season with College Football Playoff aspirations, and while they fell short of their goal, they will clash in the prestigious Fiesta Bowl on Saturday.

Washington surprised many by reaching the CFP last season, but losses to Arizona State and Stanford relegated it to a 10-2 season thus far in 2017.

Penn State lost a thrilling Rose Bowl game to USC last season, and while it seemed the Nittany Lions were poised to take the next step in 2017, consecutive losses to Ohio State and Michigan State by a total of just four points has them stuck at 10-2 as well.

Before Washington and Penn State meet at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, here is a breakdown of some of the key stats and matchups to watch in the 2017 Fiesta Bowl.

Key Stats

Both Washington and Penn State excelled throughout the season, as they each rank among the national leaders in scoring offense and scoring defense.

The Huskies are 17th overall with 36.9 points scored per game, while the Nittany Lions are seventh at 41.6 points per contest.

From a yardage perspective, Penn State has a huge advantage through the air, as it averages 285.5 passing yards per game, as opposed to Washington's 221.8.

Even though Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley tends to generate more hype than Washington's Myles Gaskin, the Huskies are a better rushing team than Penn State with a per-game average margin of 189.8-167.4.

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

In total, Washington racks up 411.7 total yards per game in comparison to Penn State's 453.3.

Although they receive a great deal of attention for their high-octane offenses, Washington and Penn State excel defensively as well. Washington is sixth out of 130 schools with 14.5 points allowed per game, and Penn State is seventh at 15.5.

The Huskies allow just 278.3 total yards per game, and Penn State gives up 329.3. Washington excels against the run, as the opposition averages 2.7 yards per carry, as opposed to 3.4 yards per carry against the Nittany Lions.

One of the biggest reasons for the success of both defenses is the fact they are adept at causing turnovers, with Washington forcing 1.8 per game and Penn State forcing 2.0 per game.

While the Huskies and Nittany Lions are stronger in certain areas than others, the stats prove both teams are well-rounded and capable of winning in myriad ways.

Saquon Barkley vs. Myles Gaskin

Barkley received Heisman Trophy hype for a large portion of the 2017 season, and while his numbers are excellent, they are comparable to those of Gaskin.

Although Barkley and Gaskin won't go head-to-head on the field, the result of Saturday's game will likely have plenty to do with which back fares better against a dominant run defense.

As pointed out by Adam Jude of the Seattle Times, Gaskin has more rushing yardage, a better yards-per-carry average and more total touchdowns than Barkley this season:

Where Barkley stands out, though, is his versatility and ability to impact the game in many different facets.

Aside from his rushing, he made 47 receptions for 594 yards, while Gaskin had just 18 grabs for 228 yards.

Barkley also has two kick return touchdowns this season, which means the Nittany Lions are a threat to score even when their offense isn't on the field.

The sledding could be tough for Barkley from a rushing perspective since the Huskies allow less than three yards per carry. Also, he has failed to top 100 rushing yards in four of his past five games, meaning Penn State may need to get creative and find ways to get him in space.

Gaskin, on the other hand, is in the midst of a major hot streak with over 100 rushing yards in four of his past five contests, and 10 total touchdowns in his past three games.

If Gaskin can keep up his recent play and perform better than Barkley, Washington will have a great chance to pull off the upset.

Trace McSorley vs. Jake Browning

After coming into his own last season as a junior, Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley has made strides during his senior season. However, it can be argued Washington quarterback Jake Browning has taken a step back.

Although McSorley has thrown three less touchdown passes this year than last, he improved his completion percentage from 57.9 percent to 65.3 percent. He has thrown for 3,228 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions as well.

Perhaps most impressively, McSorley has done a ton of damage with his legs, rushing for 431 yards and 11 scores.

Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

Browning was in the Heisman Trophy conversation last season as a sophomore when he threw for 3,430 yards, 43 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

He has also improved his accuracy from 62.1 percent to 68.8 percent, but Washington head coach Chris Petersen has relied far more heavily on Gaskin than Browning to move the ball on offense.

That has resulted in the QB throwing for just 2,544 yards, 18 touchdowns and five picks, while rushing for six additional scores.

It can be argued that losing wide receiver John Ross to the NFL draft has resulted in Browning being more conservative and taking less shots down the field.

Browning has been a caretaker more so than a dynamic force this season, and he will likely be asked to play a mistake-free game in the Fiesta Bowl rather than winning it with his arm.

The opposite is true of McSorley, who is a gunslinger capable of thriving with the game on the line.

If Penn State and Washington essentially cancel out from a rushing perspective, the Nittany Lions will have a fairly significant advantage in the quarterback battle.

Fiesta Bowl Prediction: Penn State 27, Washington 20