Penn State Football Penn State Nittany Lions Safety Zakee Wheatley (6) tackles West Virginia Mountaineers Running Back CJ Donaldson Jr. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)

Penn State Football Must Stop These Players to Beat West Virginia in Week 1

Originally posted on Nittany Central | By Lamarr Fields | Last updated Aug 27, 2024 7:22 PM ET

Penn State Football faces a tough challenge as they kick off the season on Saturday against the West Virginia Mountaineers on the road.

With several returning starters, West Virginia will provide a true test of Penn State‘s skills. Last year, Penn State defeated West Virginia 38-15 at home, but this year’s game could be more challenging.

Key Players Penn State Football Must Stop to Beat West Virginia

QB Garrett Greene

Garrett Greene is a dual-threat quarterback who can hurt defenses with both his arm and legs. Last year, he rushed for 772 yards and 13 touchdowns, while also passing for 2,406 yards and 16 touchdowns. A dual-threat quarterback like Greene is hard to stop if the defense struggles with discipline.

RBs Jahiem White and CJ Donaldson Jr.

Penn State Football Penn State Nittany Lions Safety Zakee Wheatley (6) tackles West Virginia Mountaineers Running Back CJ Donaldson Jr. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)

West Virginia had the third-best rushing attack last year, averaging 228.9 yards per game. With Jahiem White and CJ Donaldson Jr. returning, the Mountaineers’ ground game is a significant threat.

The two running backs combined for 1,634 yards last season, and West Virginia’s physical front will challenge any defense, including Penn State’s.

WR Hudson Clement

Penn State Football, Tom Allen Penn State Nittany Lions defensive coordinator Tom Allen (Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports)

When West Virginia passes, Hudson Clement will be their primary target. Last season, Clement ranked second on the team with 22 catches for 440 yards. With Penn State’s defense focusing on stopping the run, Clement may have opportunities to exploit single coverage and get behind the defense.

If Penn State Football can slow down these three players, they will walk away with a victory.

However, if West Virginia’s rushing attack finds success, it could be a long day for the Nittany Lions. This game promises to be an exciting battle of strength versus strength, and it should be a hard-fought contest in the trenches.

This article first appeared on Nittany Central and was syndicated with permission.

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