Penn State Football: Previewing the Purdue Game

The Penn State Nittany Lions enter Week 7 with a 5-1 record. The Nittany Lions defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes in Week 6, 13-3.

The score of last week's victory says a lot. Penn State's offense struggled to score while Penn State's defense picks up the slack.

In other words, same game, different week for Joe Paterno's crew.

The Purdue Boilermakers enter Happy Valley with a 3-2 mark to start the season. The Boilermakers' two losses came at the hands of Notre Dame and Rice.

Penn State has a chance to climb the Leaders Division leaderboard. A win against Purdue would also keep the Nittany Lions in the Top 25.

Here is a preview of this Saturday's Big Ten matchup:

Can Penn State's Defense Maintain Their Dominance?

Penn State's defense is allowing 10.5 points per game.

Last week against the rival Hawkeyes, the Nittany Lions surrendered three points and 253 yards. Penn State stifled Iowa through the air, holding James Vanndenberg to 169 yards.

The Nittany Lions' defense has been stifling all season long. The secondary plays with controlled aggression on the back end, and the defensive line's pass-rush is improving every week.

Penn State's offense has struggled, but if the defense continues its hot streak, it won't matter.

It is tough to lose when you do not give up more than 11 points in a contest.

Will Penn State's Offense Show Signs of Life?

Penn State's offense showed improvement last week. The Nittany Lions gained 395 yards on offense in Week 6.

The Nittany Lions racked up over 200 yards on the ground. Silas Redd was the workhorse with 28 carries. Curtis Dukes added 60 yards to the Nittany Lions' rushing total.

Matt McGloin didn't lead an explosive Nittany Lions' passing attack. He threw for 133 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Penn State has a chance to progress against the Boilermakers' mediocre defense this week.

Despite the dominance on defense, the Nittany Lions will need to put up points sooner or later if they want to win games in the Big Ten.

Will the Nittany Lions Build off Their Week 6 Rushing Success?

The Nittany Lions leaned on Silas Redd in Week 6 against Iowa. Redd rushed for 142 yards on 28 carries.

Curties Dukes also added 60 yards on nine carries.

This dedication to the ground game is the answer for the Penn State offense.

Silas Redd is their best player. Matt McGloin is getting the job done, but is a game manager in an ideal situation. Dukes adds a powerful second option behind Redd in the Nittany Lions' backfield.

The Nittany Lions have struggled on offense to say the least. The easiest way to correct that lack of production is to lean on talented players.

Redd and Dukes provide plenty of talent and, at least in Week 6, production as well.

Can Penn State Take the Next Step in the Leaders Division?

Penn State currently is tied with Illinois at the top of the Big Ten Leaders division. The Nittany Lions have one more loss than the undefeated Illini but have the same conference record.

Illinois will face the Ohio State Buckeyes in Week 7.

If Penn State can grab a win against Purdue they could have a chance to take the reins in the Leaders division. Question marks facing this team before the season should make this a surprise to most.

The Nittany Lions and the Fighting Illini are both surprising teams in the Big Ten.

A Penn State win against the Boilermakers would give the Nittany Lions a leg up, at least temporarily.

Is Matt McGloin the Unquestioned Starter?

Penn State has won the last three games with Matt McGloin under center. McGloin has five touchdowns and one interception over those three games.

The Nittany Lions' pass offense is still not great by any means. However, McGloin seems to provide more stability to a struggling aerial attack. He has confidence, and is not afraid to look down the field.

Penn State has a chance to have a very solid season. Regardless of Rob Bolden's supposed potential, McGloin needs to be the starter until proven otherwise.

He gives them the best chance to win, right now. As he gains rapport with his receivers, the Penn State offense could suddenly become two-dimensional.

Penn State Wins If...

The Nittany Lions will win this game if their offense gives their defense support.

Purdue does not have an explosive passing game, but their rushing attack ranks 20th in the nation in yards per game. Given Penn State's stout front seven, this should not present a problem.

Defensively, Purdue gives up just over 20 points per game. Penn State needs to use this to their advantage and improve on offensive concerns.

Expect the same game plan Penn State had in Week 6.

Lean on the run. Keep the defense honest through the air, and play defense.

If the Nittany Lions do this, they will be just fine in Week 7.

Purdue Wins If...

Purdue must control the ball on offense with their running game if they want to beat the Nittany Lions in Week 7.

Ralph Bolden and Akeem Shavers have combined for seven rushing touchdowns and over 500 yards total. Their ability to find cracks in the Penn State front four will be a huge factor in their success on Saturday.

Purdue quarterback Caleb TerBush has been solid this season, but he does not have many playmakers to stretch the field. Penn State's daunting secondary will make TerBush's job even more difficult.

The Boilermakers are a solid 3-2 team. If they can control the clock, it will wear down Penn State.

That's Purdue's best chance to pull off the upset in Beaver Stadium.

Key Matchup: Caleb TerBush vs. Penn State Secondary

Caleb TerBush has 787 yards and five touchdowns this season. He also has two interceptions.

The Penn State secondary is a veteran unit with plenty of experience. They add quality support in the box against the run, but they also provide quality pass coverage.

The Nittany Lions will most likely be without top cornerback D'Anton Lynn for at least one more week. That should give TerBush more hope, but he still lacks the playmakers needed to exploit the Nittany Lions' defensive backs.

If TerBush can make plays down the field that will allow Ralph Bolden and Akeem Shavers to have room to run against the Penn State front seven.

Prediction

Penn State will be 6-1 after their Week 7 Homecoming game against the Purdue Boilermakers.

The Nittany Lions have more talent and more to gain from this game.

A Penn State victory, and an Illinois loss will provide the Nittany Lions with the top spot in the Big Ten Leaders division.

Purdue is a solid unit, but they lack a standout playmaker on either side of the ball. Penn State doesn't necessarily have major playmakers on offense, but their offense seems to be improving as Matt McGloin takes more snaps.

Penn State is still improving. They are far from a finished product. However, they are ready to win this game against a weaker opponent.

Final Score: Penn State 24, Purdue 10