Penn State rides a three-game winning streak into this weekend’s non-conference matchup with Army at Beaver Stadium, and the Nittany Lions have appeared to generate offensive momentum through the air and on the ground. The team has come a long way from the season-opening loss to Temple, and pleasant surprises such as Saquon Barkley, Troy Reeder, John Reid and Carl Nassib have played a big part in the recent run of success.
Coach James Franklin has new looks in the linebacker corps and in his offensive backfield. He is also leaning more on reserves in his secondary with injuries that Marcus Allen, Jordan Lucas and Grant Haley at different points early in the season. Determining whether Penn State has a shot at beating Big Ten East division heavyweights Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State likely depends on the team’s ability to heal from a rash of injuries.
Fight On State’s Mark Brenann joined Bob Flounders and Andrew P. Shay on the Keystone Kickoff Show this week to talk about surprises, injuries and more early-season observations. Check out audio of the show in this post and be sure to check back in to KeystoneSportsNetwork.com for plenty more Penn State podcasts and analysis.