PSU v NU @ The Library at Ryan Field Prediction Thread

rmndcat · Tuesday at 10:11 AM

Northwestern finally inaugurates New Ryan Field, which many are nicknaming “The Library” after a denigrating comment from a visiting Colorado player two weeks ago. Fans have taken it as a badge of pride after the Cats shellacked the Buffaloes 41-7.

And the Cats had a tantalizing second half against reigning national champion Indiana. Although they could not close the win despite trailing by only two late in the 4th, the nationally televised game did get the attention of the college football world.

The Cats christen their home in their third nationally televised game in as many weeks when the Penn State Nittany Lion come to Evanston. PSU lost a 17-0 lead and their game against Wisconsin, leading to questions about the quality of the team, composed partly of players from Iowa State who came with Matt Campbell hired after last season.

PSU is favored by a narrow margin and the Cats are nursing some injuries, though it’s not clear how extensive until the injured list is released mid-week. That said, after seeing the Cats’ gutsy performance last week and with the adrenaline of opening the new house, an NU victory seems more than reasonable.

Jonathan Frakes 17

Jeri Ryan 29

DaCat · Tuesday at 4:17 PM

Cats get off to a roaring start in NRF.

Wildcats 31
Nitcats 20

GECat2 · Tuesday at 4:39 PM

Librarians - 34
Molesters - 17

eddie_gocats · Tuesday at 4:51 PM

I expect us to win since we have the better qb and we always score in 4 straight drives in the second half…

But I wouldn’t be surprised if we lose since this is another nationally televised game which seems to be our kryptonite. Have the can’t handle the bright lights syndrome.

Cats 38 - PSU 16

TheC · Tuesday at 5:45 PM

NU 27
PSU 24

rmndcat · Tuesday at 8:23 PM

eddie_gocats said:
I expect us to win since we have the better qb and we always score in 4 straight drives in the second half…

But I wouldn’t be surprised if we lose since this is another nationally televised game which seems to be our kryptonite. Have the can’t handle the bright lights syndrome.

Cats 38 - PSU 16

The Colorado game was a national game, wasn't it?

JustGary · Tuesday at 8:41 PM

rmndcat said:
The Colorado game was a national game, wasn't it?

Yes it was. Also weird is we have played only night games this year.

stpaulcat · Tuesday at 9:29 PM

I have no clue, but
believe this haiku is true
NU won't be blue

WestCoastWildcat · Tuesday at 10:25 PM

What will the uni’s be like for this special game opening the new stadium? Would love to win this one after the tough loss last week. Defense has been solid, just need more consistent offense for both halfs.
Go Cats!

NU'06er · Tuesday at 10:29 PM

Prior to the season, I’d have said this was a reach of a game to expect to win.

They’ve played well enough that it’s hard not to think they have a decent chance.

Gut says Penn State in a close one. But if you’re giving me the points, I’m taking the ‘Cats and crossing my fingers!

rmndcat · Tuesday at 11:12 PM

JustGary said:
Yes it was. Also weird is we have played only night games this year.

I'm old enough to remember when Dyche was like Wrigley...no night games.

eddie_gocats · Wednesday at 5:37 AM

rmndcat said:
The Colorado game was a national game, wasn't it?

That’s true… should have specified vs BIG teams. UM USC etc.

Sheffielder · Wednesday at 9:26 AM

THE LIBRARYYYYYYYYYYYYY

#SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

rmndcat · Wednesday at 9:34 AM

WestCoastWildcat said:
What will the uni’s be like for this special game opening the new stadium? Would love to win this one after the tough loss last week. Defense has been solid, just need more consistent offense for both halfs.
Go Cats!

Chip and team seem to make significant half time adjustments as a standard MO...more than we're used to since at least Hank, I think.

Deeringfish · Wednesday at 9:51 AM

rmndcat said:
Chip and team seem to make significant half time adjustments as a standard MO...more than we're used to since at least Hank, I think.

I always thought that the first series for Hank was more about gathering information than going three and out.

AtlantaCat · Wednesday at 10:32 AM

Jack Cvercko 27
Jack Ham 24

(Cats win with a larger margin for Joseph Himon/Joseph Paterno and Aidan Chiles/Rapin' Child, Frank Covey/Frank O'Harris didn't compute, and for anything referring to Sandusky the score ended up being 30 to 60)

Injuries hurt us at key positions, but I still believe we are the slightly better team.

JustGary · Wednesday at 2:11 PM

PSU offense is hurting. Their running and passing game are mediocre at best. They are about as good as Colorado. I think we can keep them out if the end zone.

Penn State has a stout defense but their d-line is not as good as Indiana. We should be able to run on them. Chiles will not be as hurried and we have too many weapons for them to stop it all.

This will be a loud and lively crowd and probably the biggest pro-NU crowd our players have seen. If the hype doesn’t get to them, the players will be so psyched. I expect a big win.

PSU 9
NU 33

mickbula · Wednesday at 2:19 PM

JustGary said:
PSU offense is hurting. Their running and passing game are mediocre at best. They are about as good as Colorado. I think we can keep them out if the end zone.

Penn State has a stout defense but their d-line is not as good as Indiana. We should be able to run on them. Chiles will not be as hurried and we have too many weapons for them to stop it all.

This will be a loud and lively crowd and probably the biggest pro-NU crowd our players have seen. If the hype doesn’t get to them, the players will be so psyched. I expect a big win.

PSU 9
NU 33

Isn’t psu best wr hurt as well? Out for this game I hear

eastbaycat99 · Wednesday at 7:00 PM

Cats are coming off a come from behind near miss on the road against the defending national champion.
The Lions are coming off a blown 17 point lead at home to a probable second tier team.

Cats are playing in their long anticipated new digs before what should be a very supportive sellout crowd.

PSU’s QB fell apart in his first B1G start while NU’s came back and torched maybe the best defense in the B1G in his last half.

The Cats have a hospital ward’s worth of injured players, but I bet some of them play.

The first quarter decides this game. PSU is fighting for its life, and a quick start for the Cats buries them. If the Lions survive the first quarter, I think they win.

I expect the Cats to start strong. PSU has to account for all the players who have made a difference for NU so far leaving Komalafe to have a big game.

NU 34
PSU 17.

Figrating II · Wednesday at 7:45 PM

Non-believers awol so far this week!

NU Wildcats - 30
PSU Nitwit Lyin's - 20

Purple Pete · 2026-10-01T20:37:22-0500

Wow, I don't think I have ever seen Coach Braun anywhere near as agitated as he was at the IU post-game presser. I wouldn't want to be playing the Cats this week.

NU 41
PSU 13

DarkSide576 · 2026-10-01T21:18:17-0500

Drilcat · 2026-10-01T23:45:49-0500

Unfortunately, this is our down game..
NU 98
Pee St. U 0

PSU v NU @ The Library at Ryan Field Prediction Thread

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