Penn State vs Wisconsin Preview: Nittany Lions Face Physical Test at Beaver Stadium
After a convincing 27-11 victory over UCLA at the Rose Bowl, the Penn State Nittany Lions (4-1, 2-1 Big Ten) return home to face the Wisconsin Badgers (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten) on Saturday, October 12, 2025. This matchup pits Penn State's explosive offense against Wisconsin's traditionally physical defense in what promises to be a crucial Big Ten showdown.
Game Information
Matchup: Wisconsin Badgers at Penn State Nittany Lions Date: Saturday, October 12, 2025 Time: 3:30 PM ET Location: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA TV: CBS Spread: Penn State -7.5 Over/Under: 45.5
Season Context
Penn State's Journey (4-1)
The Nittany Lions have experienced the full spectrum of emotions in 2025:
- Dominant 46-11 opening win over Nevada
- Heartbreaking 30-24 double-overtime loss to Oregon
- Impressive 27-11 road victory at UCLA
Penn State's offense is clicking under Drew Allar's leadership, averaging 34.2 points per game. The defense, after the Oregon setback, bounced back with a dominant performance against UCLA.
Wisconsin's Season (3-2)
The Badgers bring their trademark physical style to Happy Valley:
- Wins: Buffalo, Purdue, Northwestern
- Losses: Alabama (close loss), Rutgers (upset)
Wisconsin features a power running game led by Chez Mellusi and a defense that ranks in the top 30 nationally in points allowed.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Penn State Offensive Line vs Wisconsin Defensive Front
The Matchup: Penn State's offensive line has been solid in pass protection but will face their toughest test against Wisconsin's physical defensive line.
Wisconsin's Front Seven:
- DE James Thompson Jr. (6 sacks, 9 TFL) - Elite pass rusher
- DT Isaiah Mullens - Run-stuffer who commands double teams
- LB Jake Chaney - Leading tackler with 52 tackles
Penn State's Challenge: The Nittany Lions must establish the run game early with Singleton and Allen to set up play-action passes and keep Wisconsin's pass rush honest.
Edge: Slight edge to Wisconsin's front seven, which could dictate the game's tempo.
2. Drew Allar vs Wisconsin Secondary
The Matchup: Drew Allar (66.8% completion, 1,487 yards, 12 TD, 3 INT) faces a Wisconsin secondary that's been vulnerable to big plays.
Wisconsin's Secondary:
- CB Ricardo Hallman - Physical corner who excels in press coverage
- S Hunter Wohler - Ball hawk with 3 interceptions
Penn State's Weapons:
- Tyler Warren - All-American tight end (42 rec, 621 yards, 6 TD)
- Harrison Wallace III - Deep threat (28 rec, 456 yards, 4 TD)
- Omari Evans - Reliable slot receiver
Edge: Penn State. Allar has too many weapons, and Tyler Warren creates mismatches that Wisconsin's linebackers can't handle.
3. Penn State Run Defense vs Chez Mellusi
The Matchup: Penn State's front seven faces Wisconsin's power running game led by Chez Mellusi (687 rushing yards, 6 TDs).
Penn State's Run Defense:
- DT Dvon J-Thomas - Nose tackle who clogs running lanes
- LB Tony Rojas - Coming off 2-sack performance vs UCLA
- LB Kobe King - Sideline-to-sideline playmaker
Wisconsin's Ground Game:
- Mellusi averages 5.3 yards per carry
- Badgers run on 62% of plays (3rd highest in Big Ten)
- Offensive line averages 312 pounds per man
Edge: Even. Penn State's defense is stout, but Wisconsin's commitment to the run and physical line could wear down the Nittany Lions in the fourth quarter.
4. Penn State Running Backs vs Wisconsin Run Defense
The Matchup: The dynamic duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen against Wisconsin's top-15 run defense.
Penn State's Backfield:
- Nicholas Singleton - 476 rushing yards, 6.2 YPC, 5 TDs, explosive speed
- Kaytron Allen - 412 rushing yards, 4.8 YPC, 4 TDs, power runner
Wisconsin's Run Defense:
- Allows 98.2 rushing yards per game (14th nationally)
- Forces opponents to be one-dimensional
- Excellent gap discipline
Edge: Slight edge to Penn State. Singleton's speed and Allen's power give Penn State the versatility to attack Wisconsin's defense in multiple ways.
Depth Chart Analysis
Penn State Depth Chart Updates
Offense:
Quarterback
- Drew Allar (SR) - Status: Healthy
- Beau Pribula (SO)
Running Back
- Nicholas Singleton (JR) - Status: Healthy
- Kaytron Allen (JR) - Status: Healthy
Tight End
- Tyler Warren (SR) - Status: Healthy (All-American campaign)
- Khalil Dinkins (SO)
Wide Receiver
- Harrison Wallace III (SR) - Status: Healthy
- Omari Evans (JR) - Status: Healthy
- Liam Clifford (SO) - Status: Healthy
Defense:
Defensive Line
- Dani Dennis-Sutton (SR) - Status: Healthy
- Tony Rojas (JR) - Status: Healthy (2 sacks vs UCLA)
- Dvon J-Thomas (SR) - Status: Healthy
Linebacker
- Kobe King (JR) - Status: Healthy
- Dom DeLuca (SO) - Status: Healthy
Secondary
- Jaylen Reed (SR) - Status: Healthy (3 INT this season)
- Zakee Wheatley (JR) - Status: Healthy
- A.J. Harris (JR) - Status: Healthy
Injury Report: Penn State appears to be at full strength heading into this matchup.
Wisconsin Depth Chart Key Players
Offense:
- QB Braedyn Locke (SO) - Game manager, 1,234 passing yards
- RB Chez Mellusi (SR) - Feature back, physical runner
- WR Will Pauling (JR) - Leading receiver, 387 yards
Defense:
- DE James Thompson Jr. (SR) - Pass rush specialist
- LB Jake Chaney (SR) - Defensive leader
- S Hunter Wohler (JR) - Ball hawk safety
Strategic Analysis
How Penn State Wins
1. Establish the Run Early Penn State must get Singleton and Allen going early to set up play-action and keep Wisconsin's aggressive defensive front from pinning their ears back. If the Nittany Lions can average 4.5+ yards per carry, they'll control the game.
2. Exploit the Middle of the Field Tyler Warren is a mismatch nightmare for Wisconsin's linebackers. Penn State should attack the seams with Warren and force Wisconsin to choose between stopping the run and covering the All-American tight end.
3. Win Third Down Penn State's defense must get Wisconsin into third-and-long situations. The Badgers are dangerous on third-and-short with their power running game, but they struggle to convert third-and-7 or longer.
4. Protect Drew Allar The offensive line must give Allar time to go through his progressions. If Wisconsin's pass rush forces quick throws, Penn State's explosive plays will be limited.
How Wisconsin Wins
1. Control Time of Possession Wisconsin needs to keep Penn State's offense on the sideline with long, grinding drives. If the Badgers can win the time of possession battle by 8+ minutes, they have a great chance.
2. Pressure Drew Allar James Thompson Jr. and the Wisconsin pass rush must rattle Allar and force turnovers. The Badgers' only path to victory likely involves winning the turnover battle.
3. Limit Explosive Plays Wisconsin cannot allow Singleton, Warren, or Wallace to break big plays. The Badgers must tackle in space and keep everything in front of them.
4. Red Zone Defense If Wisconsin can force Penn State to settle for field goals in the red zone, they can keep this game close and steal it late.
X-Factors
1. Beaver Stadium White Out?
While this isn't officially a White Out game, Beaver Stadium's 107,000+ fans will create a hostile environment for Wisconsin's young quarterback Braedyn Locke. Can he handle the noise and pressure?
2. Weather Conditions
October football in Happy Valley can be unpredictable. If weather becomes a factor, it could favor Wisconsin's ground-and-pound approach.
3. Special Teams Battle
Field position will be crucial. Which team wins the punt and kickoff coverage battle could determine the outcome in a close game.
4. Fourth Quarter Conditioning
Wisconsin's physical style often wears down opponents in the fourth quarter. Will Penn State's depth and conditioning allow them to pull away late, or will the Badgers grind them down?
Predictions and Keys to Victory
Expert Predictions
Penn State Depth Chart Analysis: Penn State 28, Wisconsin 17 The Nittany Lions' offensive firepower and home field advantage prove too much. Drew Allar throws for 270 yards and 2 TDs, Tyler Warren has 100+ yards receiving, and the defense forces 2 turnovers.
National Media Consensus: Penn State by 7-10 points Most analysts give the edge to Penn State due to home field and superior skill position talent.
Three Keys for Penn State
- Establish Play-Action Game: Get Singleton and Allen going early to set up shots downfield to Wallace and Warren
- Win Line of Scrimmage: The offensive line must handle Wisconsin's physical defensive front
- Create Turnovers: Force Wisconsin's young QB into 1-2 mistakes that lead to points
Three Keys for Wisconsin
- Ball Control: Win time of possession with long drives and keep Penn State's offense off the field
- Pressure Allar: Generate consistent pass rush to force quick throws and mistakes
- Red Zone Defense: Keep Penn State out of the end zone and force field goal attempts
Historical Context
Penn State leads the all-time series 11-10-1, but these teams haven't met since Wisconsin joined the Big Ten East in the realignment. The last meeting in 2016 saw Penn State win 38-31 in overtime at Beaver Stadium.
This matchup features two programs with rich traditions and physical styles of play. Wisconsin brings their power running game, while Penn State counters with dynamic playmakers and a balanced attack.
Final Thoughts
This game will test Penn State's toughness and physicality. After the emotional Oregon loss and the bounce-back win at UCLA, how will the Nittany Lions respond to Wisconsin's physical challenge?
The Badgers will try to bully Penn State at the line of scrimmage and control the game with their power running attack. If Penn State can weather the early physicality and use their superior skill position talent to create explosive plays, they should win comfortably.
However, if Wisconsin establishes the run and controls time of possession, this could be a close game deep into the fourth quarter.
Prediction: Penn State 31, Wisconsin 20
The Nittany Lions' home field advantage and superior skill position talent make the difference. Drew Allar continues his strong season, Tyler Warren dominates the middle of the field, and the defense creates enough stops to pull away in the fourth quarter.
Check back after the game for our comprehensive game recap, depth chart updates, and analysis of Penn State's performance. Go Nittany Lions!