After a Week 1 scare against Appalachian State at Beaver Stadium, many people didn’t know what to expect when the Nittany Lions headed to Heinz Field to take on in-state rival Pitt last Saturday. I predicted Penn State (2-0, No. 11 AP) would have a bounce back game, but what I don’t think anyone saw coming was a 51-6 victory from the Nittany Lions.

It wasn’t a perfect performance by any means, which might sound odd after a 45-point win, but Penn State struggled in the first half against the Pitt rushing attack, which resulted in just an eight-point advantage (14-6) at the half. However, the defense settled in, holding Pitt to minimal gains in both the running and passing game in the second half, outscoring the Panthers 37-0 to come away with a statement win on the road.

My takeaway from the Pitt game is that the team improved drastically from Week 1 to Week 2, which means that talent is not an issue on this team, rather it’s the inexperience at some positions. The more football these younger guys play, the better they’re going to get, and to take care of Pitt 51-6 on the road is impressive – albeit not one of Pitt’s more-talented teams – but to really adjust in the second half and dominate, I think that says a lot about the potential of this team and its ability to get better from week to week.

“I’m proud of how we played. I think we took a step in the right direction, cleaned up some things. Played aggressive. Played fast,” said Penn State head coach James Franklin. “I Thought we really did well at the line of scrimmage, both the defensive line and offensive line. I think getting Kevin Givens back was a significant impact in the game.”

The defense will once again need to take another impactful step this week as a feisty, fast and up-tempo Kent State squad comes to Happy Valley. The Golden Flashes (1-1) gave fellow Big Ten school Illinois a scare in Week 1, losing a tough one 31-24. Kent State actually led 17-3 at the half, but was outscored 28-7 in the second half. What the game with the Illini shows, is that Kent State isn’t afraid to come out and punch a bigger team in the mouth early on, so setting the tone in the first quarter will be key for the Nittany Lions.

“We’re playing a team that expects to come in and not only compete, but win, and then they were able to get a lot of confidence last week in playing Howard and winning 54-14,” said Franklin. “You know, a real challenge, I think.”

Kent State dual-threat quarterback Woody Barrett can cause all types of issues for the Penn State defense if he can get going. Barrett was a highly-recruited player a few years ago, and signed with Auburn, but when Jarrett Stidham transferred into the Tigers program, Barrett left and ended up at Kent State.

Barrett showed his abilities in week one, throwing for 270 yards and two scores, while running for 117 yards and a touchdown. Keeping Barrett contained will be the key, but one thing Penn State does have is speed on the outside at both defensive end and linebacker. Shareef Miller, Yetur Gross-Matos, Shaka Toney and others on the edge should be able to force Barrett inside, while linebackers Cam Brown, Koa Farmer, Jarvis Miller and Micah Parsons all possess the size and speed to limit Barrett if he’s able to get to the edge.

“The quarterback’s a problem. Woody Barrett is a problem. Highly, highly-recruited kid. Played in the Under Armour All-American Game, signs with Auburn, transfers out to a junior college and now is starting at Kent State,” said Franklin. “He’s 6-2, 236 pounds. He can run. He can throw. He’s dynamic.

“You see guys come through blitzing and he stands in the pocket, they hit him, they bounce off, he keeps his eyes down the field, delivers the strike, will beat you with his legs. He’s a problem. So, we’ve got to be ready and prepared for him.”

I think where this game will be won, however, will be up front on the offensive side of the ball for Penn State. The Nittany Lions offensive line has looked to take the step I expected them to, heading into the 2018 season. The offensive line is big, athletic and strong. Pair that with the exceptional play of running back Miles Sanders (209 yards rushing, two touchdowns) up to this point and Penn State should be able to move the ball consistently throughout the day. Kent State was not good against the run in Week 1 against the Illini, surrendering 279 yards on 5.7 yards-per-carry and four touchdowns.

Las Vegas has Penn State as a big favorite in this one, a 35-point favorite.

I think, as I said in Week 1 against Appalachian State, that Kent State might have some positive twitchy plays early in the game. The Golden Flashes quarterback is good and I could see him giving Penn State a bit of trouble in their first couple possessions. But I believe the defense will settle in and get so much pressure on Barrett that he will make mistakes and turn the ball over a few times.

If the run game is working for Penn State, then Trace McSorley will have his way with the Kent State defense. I think the run game will be clicking, so look for a big day from the Nittany Lions in the total yards department, say 450-500 yards of total offense.

My pick is: Penn State 48, Kent State 14.