On Saturday, September 13, the Penn State Nittany Lions will take on the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium, with kickoff set for 3:30 PM.

Penn State will be aiming for its sixth consecutive shutout game — an FBS-best streak, as they remain the only program to record a shutout in each of the past five seasons. Dom DeLuca is also approaching a program record, and the Nittany Lions have impressively scored on all 11 red zone trips in just their first two games of the season. Historically, Penn State holds a 6-3-1 record over Villanova.

Let us take a deep dive into what to expect in this classic Pennsylvania matchup

Villanova Offense vs. Penn State Defense

The Nittany Lions are coming off a shutout performance in Week 2, following a Week 1 showing where the starters allowed just three points to Nevada. The defense is being led by a relentless pass rush, featuring All-American candidate Zane Durant and standout Dani Dennis-Sutton.

True freshman Caz Coleman turned heads in Week 2 with an MVP-caliber performance, including a strip sack and return that came up just shy of a touchdown. Zurich Fisher also made his season debut after recovering from a long-term injury and played well. Linebacker Tony Rojas led the team with 10 tackles and looks much quicker this season after battling a shoulder injury last year. Amare Campbell, a transfer from UNC, has also flashed playmaking ability.

In the secondary, the group hasn’t been thoroughly tested yet, although Zakee Wheatley had a critical touchdown-saving deflection to preserve the shutout against FIU.

Villanova quarterback Pat McQuaide had a strong start to the season in the Week 1 win over Colgate, completing 18-of-28 passes for 299 yards and a touchdown, while also adding 41 yards and a score on the ground. Now in his third year as a starter, McQuaide is looking to build on a sophomore season in which he completed 58.6% of his passes for 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

The Wildcats’ rushing attack was less effective, with David Avit and Isaiah Ragland averaging just 3.3 and 2.0 yards per carry, respectively. However, the passing game was more productive. Senior receiver Luke Colella had 124 yards on five catches, while fellow senior Lucas Kopecky added 98 yards and a touchdown.

If Penn State can contain the run game early, Villanova may be forced into a one-dimensional passing attack, giving the Nittany Lion secondary their first real test of the season.

Penn State Offense vs. Villanova Defense

Penn State’s offense will be looking to rebound after a shaky Week 2 performance that saw them score just 10 points in the first half. The struggles stemmed from missed opportunities in short-yardage situations and an off day for quarterback Drew Allar, who threw several passes behind his receivers.

Allar had a near-flawless performance in Week 1 and will look to get back on track this weekend. He’s developing better chemistry with his wide receivers, particularly with transfers Trebor Pena, Kyron Hudson, and Devontez Ross. Ross made a notable return in Week 2 after injury, highlighted by a spectacular one-handed touchdown catch despite a defensive pass interference.

Tight end Luke Reynolds led the team with seven receptions in Week 2, while Khalil Dinkins and Andrew Rappleyea round out a strong group that will be key to the passing game this season.

Villanova’s defense held Colgate to 17 points and 350 total yards in their only game so far (239 passing, 111 rushing). They are led by senior linebacker Shane Hartzell, who posted 121 tackles and five sacks last year. Junior linebacker JR Strauss was the standout in Week 1 with eight tackles, half a sack, and a pass breakup. However, the defense generated just one sack and no turnovers against Colgate, although the secondary did tally eight pass breakups.

Special Teams

Villanova kicker Jack Barton made his only field goal attempt so far this season (a 39-yarder). Barton, who transferred from Central Connecticut, is 30-for-40 in his career. Punter Luke Larsen, now in his sixth season (after five at East Carolina), averaged 39.6 yards per punt in Week 1 with a career long of 56 yards.

For Penn State, new punter Gabe Nwosu made a big impression with a booming 67-yard punt in his debut and another that was downed at the 2-yard line. However, he also had two kickoffs go out of bounds — something that will need to be addressed.

Kicker Ryan Barker is 6-for-7 on field goal attempts this season, with his lone miss coming on a blocked 52-yard attempt before halftime. Impressively, Barker has yet to miss a field goal from within 40 yards in his career.

What to Expect: Penn State vs. Villanova

Villanova comes into this game ranked No. 11 in the FCS and fresh off a playoff appearance. They are not to be overlooked, especially given the history of FCS upsets in September. However, this Penn State team is too talented and disciplined to fall into that trap.

The offense should bounce back after a sluggish outing in Week 2, especially with good weather and one final tune-up before Big Ten play begins against Oregon. Expect the playcalling to be focused on refining execution rather than simply overpowering an FCS opponent. Look for Allar to return to form with two touchdown passes before giving way to backup Ethan Grunkemeyer in the second half.

On defense, Penn State should generate a few big plays and potentially force turnovers, especially if they can stop the run early and force McQuaide to carry the Wildcats’ offense through the air.

Expect a dominant performance from the Nittany Lions as they look to improve to 3-0 and close out non-conference play.

Final Prediction: Penn State 45, Villanova 7