FOOTBALL

Penn State vs. Nebraska prediction: Ultimate gift ready to be opened on senior day

Frank Bodani
fbodani@ydr.com
Penn State's Mike Gesicki (88) takes off for the end zone to score on a 16-yard catch against Rutgers on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. Penn State won 35-6.

The Nittany Lions are desperately seeking that feel-good blast of fresh air that lifts them out of this fog.

Lately, they've been trudging up a mountain filled with loose rock.

And it doesn't look like much fun.

So bring on the accident-prone Nebraska Cornhuskers.

More:Franklin sees progress coming from Penn State's struggling O-line

More:Saquon Barkley's positive attitude, leadership shines even as Penn State offense struggles

As much as Penn State wants to find a reason to carry on like before, to find validation in a season so close to perfection, the Huskers look like they simply want it all to end.

They know their bowl hopes have vanished. They know their head coach is gone. They seem resigned that their hotshot defensive coordinator didn't work out, that injuries and misfortune are too much to overcome.

They just about waved a white flag against rudderless Minnesota last week while being pile-drived in one of the most embarrassing defeats in recent memory.

Now, they'll file into Beaver Stadium as part of the sendoff party for Penn State's beloved seniors and favorite son, Saquon Barkley.

The Lions don't really need any extra juice for this one. Still, these blockers should go all out to provide Barkley with a memorable parting gift.

Even worse, Nebraska's promising offense may be forced to rely on a redshirt freshman quarterback making his first collegiate start.

You can feel the storm winds coming, so to speak.

Just about ready to blow what's left of Nebraska back out of town.

Bodani's pick:

Penn State 52, Nebraska 12