Penn State vs. Rutgers prediction: Defense ready to erase errors against Scarlet Knights
Frank BodaniIt feels like Penn State's defense has just summited a mountain far more treacherous than expected.
And it's all feel-good, downhill trekking from here.
Next stop: the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at HighPoint.com Stadium in New Jersey.
The 1-9 Knights are playing more inspired of late, and have actually found a running game and a defense.
They will be fired up to finally break through against hated Penn State on Saturday.
But none of that will matter if the Lions' defense continues to play hungry and attack in waves.
Pressure and pass-rush dominance have been featured in the season's second half as some key young talents get their feet under them. Plus, older guys like defensive end Shareef Miller, linebacker Cam Brown and cornerback John Reid seem to be working on fresh legs.
The positivity bleeds into even the thin defensive tackle spot. The Big Ten honored junior Robert Windsor for his work against Wisconsin.
"The guy that's not getting a whole lot of love is Kevin Givens, but Kevin Givens is killing it. He's doing his job consistently," coach James Franklin said of his other junior tackle.
This is where any sense of Rutgers' upset bid goes to die. Because, at some point, the Knights will be forced to throw beyond short stuff to tailback Raheem Blackshear.
That's when they will be in deep trouble.
And so Penn State's offense won't need to be humming in all facets. They will have enough with Miles Sanders' hard running, combined with the growing group of freshmen receivers.
No matter if Trace McSorley is limited by injury. Or backup QB Tommy Stevens runs keepers instead of flinging the ball around like everyone wants to see.
The offense could hit rough patches against the Knights, leading to an early deficit.
But this defense will figure it out and clamp down.
Which is something you wouldn't have felt good about just a few weeks ago.
Bodani's pick: Penn State 34, Rutgers 10
More Penn State football news:
More:James Franklin expects big finish for Miles Sanders, Penn State run game
More:Penn State problem solver: John Reid outworks the field in football and engineering