Free Sports Game Preview and Prediction: Penn State vs. Northwestern
Friday, October 02, 2026 8:00 PM
Play: Point Spread: +3/-120 Northwestern
It seems that every year during college football I get us all paid on Friday Nights. Well, this Friday I have two big premium releases. And Saturday will be our biggest PAYDAY in as far back as I can remember. If you only do one thing in college football this weekend, you must follow Joe D’Amico on Friday and Saturday. FRIDAY 2-0, SATURDAY 8-0. This weekend in NCAAF we will be a PERFECT 10-0. Friday’s Free Winner: Northwestern. Game 112. 5:00 PM PST/8:00 PM EST. If you would’ve asked me prior to the season starting who I would like it in a Penn State/Northwestern matchup with the same situation and a three-point spread, I would’ve emphatically said the Nittany Lions. However, after a month in the rear view, I have changed my outlook. Yes, most people would come in on Penn State this week following their come from ahead home loss at the hands of Wisconsin last week 24-20. I mean you’re supposed to come in with this team because they cannot afford to lose back-to-back conference contests. Their defense has played well yielding just 11.5 PPG and grabbing five takeaways. But I feel their offense leaves a lot to be desired. I am also aware Northwestern owns a run defense ranking among the poorest in the nation. But they are only yielding 18.0 points per game, and have snagged three takeaways themselves. Offensively they account for over 32.7 PPG and have only coughed the ball up once. They’ve got a heck of a quarterback in Aidan Chiles, who has a completion rate of 70.7%, has thrown for over 807 yards, with six touchdowns and zero interceptions. They do have a couple of decent ball-carriers in their backfield, despite owning a rushing attack that has not been what we are used to seeing. Last season saw the Wildcats prevailing over the Nittany Lions on the road 22-21 as nearly a three touchdown ‘Dog. As a matter of fact, they’ve covered four of the last six meetings in this rivalry. Yes, this number is a little short. And yes, Penn State should bounce back and make a statement here. But I just don’t feel they have the talent to do so. Take Northwestern. Thank you.