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    • Penn State football, James Franklin prediction vs. Minnesota in Big Ten
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    Penn State football, James Franklin prediction vs. Minnesota in Big Ten

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    This lofty Penn State football defense has one more box to check this season.

    Something that could make life a lot easier when it goes on the road Saturday against a rested, prepared and courageous opponent, the Minnesota Golden Gophers (3:30 p.m., CBS).

    This Nittany Lion defense, led by new coordinator Tom Allen, has become increasingly effective in virtually every facet over the past month. It is No. 4 nationally in total yards allowed (just 272.6 yards per play). It’s number 5 in stopping the run. It is No. 6 in terms of scoring points.

    Penn State (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten) just wasn’t very good at taking the ball away from its opponent.

    The Lions have forced just 12 goals in 10 games – middle of the pack among the country’s 133 teams. The only highlight was safety Jaylen Reed (three interceptions).

    Meanwhile, Minnesota (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten), for all its hot and cold play, is remarkably consistent and efficient at taking the ball away on defense (20 forced turnovers) and protecting it on offense (eight turnovers). . ). The Gophers have already intercepted 16 passes.

    It’s an intriguing factor that could turn a game the Lions don’t want to lose. They are favorites with twelve points. They are more talented, deeper and more productive than Minnesota in almost every important way.

    Turnovers could be the only thing keeping the Gophers in the game at home.

    Penn State football: How do you avoid an upset by Minnesota?

    Coach James Franklin laid out what else the elite defense needs to improve in this regard:

    “The first is shots on goal, what we call it. Making sure the second (defender during a play) strips the ball and throws punches. A few years ago we caused quite a few fumbles but couldn’t get them back. We so ensure that we do both at a high level.

    “Then I think we’re doing a pretty good job with PBUs and contested catches, (but) we’ve got to come up with some. There’s been a few that have 50-50 balls, and the way the rules are in college football it goes it’s all about the offense. We have to find a way to win a few more…

    “The next step is not just having the confidence to break the ball, but actually going after the ball.”

    Senior Day set: Penn State football: Kickoff, TV details for Senior Day vs. Maryland

    So the key on Saturday won’t just be stopping the run of Minnesota’s Darius Taylor (5 yards per carry), but pressuring, disrupting and making life harder than usual for quarterback Max Brosmer. Force him to rush things. Pressure him to make mistakes.

    Make a few sales.

    Doing so could set up another Penn State win.

    Likewise, allowing the Gophers – the team with the best turnover ratio in the Big Ten – to take advantage could keep them in the game, pull off an upset – and put them in danger of missing the College Football Playoff .

    In some ways, it’s the most important opportunity yet for this improving top-five Penn State team. Overcoming one thing has not been completely successful yet.

    Bodani’s prediction: Penn State 27, Minnesota 13

    Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at [email protected] and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState.

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