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quintessence21 · 03-05-2017, 10:34 PM

NCAA Sweet 16 Preview Week

Day 2: Washington versus Penn State:
Each day of the week leading up to the games we will break down one of the games. Day 2 is Washington versus Penn State.

Synopsis: These two teams will square off for the first time in over 34 years and only the third time ever this weekend. Penn state has won both of the previous meetings. This matchup should feature two surging offenses that play with tempo yet have patient quarterbacks who can sling the ball. The 8 versus nine matchup, which a month ago would have looked like an easy Washington win, may be closer now than people think with Penn State being one of the hottest teams in the country.
Players to watch:

Washington
Jake Browning, QB:
Jake Browning has been phenomenal and a key reason Washington broke through to the top of the Pac-12 this year. The sophomore has thrown for over 3400 yards and 43 touchdowns this year, and is able to make all of the throws to his experience receiving corps

John Ross, WR
The Senior speedster has been a huge part of Washington's success as well, going for over 1200 receiving yards on the year. Expect him to challenge the penn State secondary with some deep routes and potentially some screens or jets that maximize his effectiveness by highlighting his big play ability.

Penn State
Saquon Barkley, RB
Barkley has been a joy to watch this year for the Nittany Lions, as his perfect blend of speed and power in his 5-11, 223 frame as allowed him to embarrass defenders time and again. He has rushes for over 1400 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns, and will need to have a huge game in order for Penn State to advance.

Key Matchups:

Trace McSorley versus Budda Baker

While it's already known that Saquon Barkley will need to have a huge game for Penn State and that Washington is spending the most of its prep time preparing to stop him, the big matchup will be Quarterback Trace McSorley versus the Huskie secondary and Safety Budda Baker. Washington with its powerful offense can still win even if Barkley goes off as long as its vaunted defensive backfield shuts down the Penn State passing offense. Some big turnovers from captain and leader Budda Baker could be the game changer that might firmly punch Washington's ticket to the elite 8.

Washington's Pass O versus the Penn State secondary

In a similar vein, the Nittany Lions will only be able to succeed if they can shut down Browning, Ross, and the rest of the Huskie aerial attack. The Penn State Linebacking corps is considered the strength of their defense, but the secondary will need step up for this game if the team wants to move. Facing a Heisman contender in Browning will be quite the challenge.

The X-Factor:
The turnover battle will be huge. Penn State needs it secondary to slow Browning and make him uncomfortable by forcing a secondary, while the huskies will need to do the same to McSorley in order to render the Nittany Lions a one dimensional team

Prediction:
Washington's secondary is to experience for McSorley to do too much damage. Berkley keeps it close with a huge day and Penn State controls some clock, but Washington's offense proves to hard to keep up with once Penn State struggles through the air. Washington 38, Penn State 28.

03-05-2017, 10:34 PM	#5
quintessence21 Rookie OVR: 0 Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Chicago, IL Blog Entries: 2	Re: NCAA CFB Playoff 16 Team Tournament NCAA Sweet 16 Preview Week Day 2: Washington versus Penn State: Each day of the week leading up to the games we will break down one of the games. Day 2 is Washington versus Penn State. Synopsis: These two teams will square off for the first time in over 34 years and only the third time ever this weekend. Penn state has won both of the previous meetings. This matchup should feature two surging offenses that play with tempo yet have patient quarterbacks who can sling the ball. The 8 versus nine matchup, which a month ago would have looked like an easy Washington win, may be closer now than people think with Penn State being one of the hottest teams in the country. Players to watch: Washington Jake Browning, QB: Jake Browning has been phenomenal and a key reason Washington broke through to the top of the Pac-12 this year. The sophomore has thrown for over 3400 yards and 43 touchdowns this year, and is able to make all of the throws to his experience receiving corps John Ross, WR The Senior speedster has been a huge part of Washington's success as well, going for over 1200 receiving yards on the year. Expect him to challenge the penn State secondary with some deep routes and potentially some screens or jets that maximize his effectiveness by highlighting his big play ability. Penn State Saquon Barkley, RB Barkley has been a joy to watch this year for the Nittany Lions, as his perfect blend of speed and power in his 5-11, 223 frame as allowed him to embarrass defenders time and again. He has rushes for over 1400 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns, and will need to have a huge game in order for Penn State to advance. Key Matchups: Trace McSorley versus Budda Baker While it's already known that Saquon Barkley will need to have a huge game for Penn State and that Washington is spending the most of its prep time preparing to stop him, the big matchup will be Quarterback Trace McSorley versus the Huskie secondary and Safety Budda Baker. Washington with its powerful offense can still win even if Barkley goes off as long as its vaunted defensive backfield shuts down the Penn State passing offense. Some big turnovers from captain and leader Budda Baker could be the game changer that might firmly punch Washington's ticket to the elite 8. Washington's Pass O versus the Penn State secondary In a similar vein, the Nittany Lions will only be able to succeed if they can shut down Browning, Ross, and the rest of the Huskie aerial attack. The Penn State Linebacking corps is considered the strength of their defense, but the secondary will need step up for this game if the team wants to move. Facing a Heisman contender in Browning will be quite the challenge. The X-Factor: The turnover battle will be huge. Penn State needs it secondary to slow Browning and make him uncomfortable by forcing a secondary, while the huskies will need to do the same to McSorley in order to render the Nittany Lions a one dimensional team Prediction: Washington's secondary is to experience for McSorley to do too much damage. Berkley keeps it close with a huge day and Penn State controls some clock, but Washington's offense proves to hard to keep up with once Penn State struggles through the air. Washington 38, Penn State 28. Last edited by quintessence21; 03-05-2017 at 10:39 PM.