- Matchup: Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Northwestern Wildcats
- Date: Friday, October 2, 2026
- Venue: Ryan Field, Evanston, IL
- Broadcast: FOX
- Betting Odds: Wildcats (+2.5)
- Total Points Over/Under: 45.5
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The Penn State Nittany Lions (3-1) will face the Northwestern Wildcats (2-1) at Ryan Field on Friday, October 2, 2026. The Wildcats are starting as 2.5-point underdogs according to betting lines, with the total set at 45.5 points.
This season, the Penn State Nittany Lions have a record of 3-1. Their most recent game resulted in a narrow defeat against the Wisconsin Badgers, finishing 24-20. Defensively, the Nittany Lions allowed 120 rushing yards on 28 attempts, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Through the air, they gave up 18 completions on 38 attempts for 235 yards, achieving a completion rate of 47.4%. Offensively, they executed 65 plays totaling 233 yards, with 36 rushing attempts gaining 119 yards at an average of 3.3 yards per carry.
In terms of scoring, the Nittany Lions average 36.8 points per game. They rank 43rd nationally with an average of 183.5 rushing yards per game, contributing to a total of 1,709 offensive yards this season. Penn State has scored 9 touchdowns through the air and 8 on the ground. They have accumulated 85 first downs but have also faced 19 penalties for a total of 176 yards and have committed 1 turnover.
Defensively, the Nittany Lions have allowed 505 passing yards this season, ranking them 8th in the country. They concede an average of 126.3 yards per game through the air with a completion percentage of 53.0%. Overall, they rank 9th in Division 1 by allowing 239.5 total yards per game. The defense has surrendered 2 touchdowns through the air and 3 on the ground, yielding an average of 3.6 yards per carry and 113.3 rushing yards per game, totaling 453 rushing yards allowed across 4 games. They are 9th in the nation for points allowed, giving up an average of 11.5 points per game.
The Wildcats enter this contest with a 2-1 record for the season. Their last outing resulted in a 29-23 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers. In that game, the Wildcats accumulated 325 yards, running 57 plays with an average of 5.7 yards per play. They struggled in the ground game, managing only 32 yards on 27 carries for a mere 1.2 yards per attempt. Defensively, Northwestern allowed 271 rushing yards on 40 carries, averaging 6.8 yards per carry. Their passing defense allowed a completion rate of 65.5%, yielding 201 yards on 19 of 29 passing attempts.
On offense, the Wildcats rank 59th in Division 1 with an average of 32.7 points per game. They generate an average of 415.0 yards per contest, placing them 63rd nationally. Northwestern has incurred 178 penalty yards from 26 infractions, ranking 65th in the nation for penalties. They have not thrown any interceptions but have allowed 1 fumble recovery for their opponents and achieved 61 first downs. To date, they have thrown for a total of 807 yards, averaging 269.0 passing yards per game, which ranks 37th nationally. They also average 146.0 rushing yards per game, totaling 438 rushing yards so far this season.
Defensively, the Wildcats allow 18.0 points per game, ranking 36th in Division 1. They have given up a total of 598 rushing yards, averaging 199.3 yards per game, along with 3 rushing touchdowns. In the passing game, they have allowed 2 touchdowns and an average of 218.0 passing yards per game, ranking 80th in this category. Their defense has been on the field for 219 plays, placing them 14th in the nation. They have also recovered 2 fumbles and intercepted 3 passes this season, conceding a total of 54 points thus far.
Who do you think will win this college football showdown between the Nittany Lions and the Wildcats?
Expert Prediction: Back the Nittany Lions -2.5
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