UCLA football (1-3, 0-2 Big Ten) is heading across the country to visit No. 7 Penn State (4-0, 1-0) for the first time as conference foes. The two teams played six contests in the 1960s but have yet to meet on the gridiron since. Here is this week’s scouting report from contributor Matthew Niiya – whose dad’s coworker will be very happy if the Nittany Lions win.
Penn State’s Offense:
Offensive scheme: Spread
Run-pass percentage: 65.8% Run, 34.2% Pass
Strength: Run Game
Weakness: Explosive Pass Game
X-factor: RB Nicholas Singleton
The Nittany Lion offense is spearheaded by a two-headed monster in the run game.
Since joining Penn State in 2022, running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen have shared backfield duties. The tandem led Penn State in carries and rushing yards in each of the past two seasons and are on pace to do so once again.
Singleton and Allen have each run the ball 53 times this year – although it’s the former who’s taken a significant leap. Singleton has posted 408 yards on the ground – averaging 7.7 yards per carry – alongside three trips to the end zone.
While he primarily operates in the trenches, Singleton is a more-than-capable pass-catcher. His two touchdown catches bump his total up to five, while his 74 yards on six receptions rank fourth on the team.
But even when Singleton is out of the game, the UCLA defense cannot let its guard down.
The other half of the duo, Allen, has totaled 289 rushing yards across Penn State’s first four contests. He led the team in rushing last week against then-No. 19 Illinois, racking up 102 yards.
Leading the huddle, quarterback Drew Allar is in his second year as the full-time starter for the Nittany Lions. The former five-star recruit has been effective and efficient – completing 70.9% of his passes while tossing eight touchdowns to just one interception.
However, questions surround Penn State’s passing game because it’s yet to be tested. Allar hasn’t attempted more than 21 passes in a single contest this season.
When he does throw, tight end Tyler Warren has been Allar’s favorite target by far. Warren leads the team with 20 catches – eight more than second place – for 260 yards and a pair of scores.
As long as Penn State does not fall behind, UCLA can expect a heavy dose of Singleton and Allen, as Allar is allowed to take a back seat, letting offensive line and running backs go to work.
Penn State’s Defense:
Defensive scheme: 4-2-5
Strength: Stopping the Run
Weakness: Starting Slow
X-factor: DE Abdul Carter
For years, Penn State has imposed its will on the defensive side of the ball.
The Nittany Lions held teams to just 13.5 points per game in 2023 – the third best mark in the nation. Through the first four games of 2024, that number has lowered to a mere 11.5.
Much of the team’s success stems from stopping the run. The defense led the nation, allowing an average of just 2.3 yards per carry in 2023, and has been able to replicate that number in 2024.
Opposite the line of scrimmage, UCLA’s offensive line and running game has struggled. The Bruins have averaged a meager 2.5 yards per carry – sixth worst in Football Bowl Subdivision.
The offensive line has also failed to protect Ethan Garbers. The redshirt senior quarterback has been dropped in the backfield a dozen times already and is now dealing with an injury, leaving his availability for Saturday up in the air.
Projected first-round NFL draft pick Abdul Carter leads the front four into battle. The defensive end has picked up three sacks in his last two games – including two against the Fighting Illini.
If there has been a good time to attack the Nittany Lion defense, it has been early on. Bowling Green and Illinois both put together 75-yard opening drives that resulted in touchdowns.
While the Fighting Illini were shut out the rest of the way, the Falcons continued to press the Nittany Lions’ defense, putting up 24 first-half points and not allowing them to settle in until the second half.
However, if Carter and company are able to dictate the pace of the game and create chaos in the backfield, UCLA will struggle to move the ball at all.
Comments are closed.