Penn State-Villanova Predictions: Can the Lions flip the switch?

The last time Penn State faced Villanova in 2021, it took the Nittany Lions just one play on offense to score when quarterback Sean Clifford found wide receiver Jahan Dotson for a 52-yard touchdown.

It looked as if the FCS school was about to get blown out, but a missed field goal and two punts later in the first half had Penn State up just 17-3 at halftime. James Franklin’s team went on to win 38-17, but they also allowed the Wildcats to total nearly 300 yards of offense in that game.

Of course, that 2021 team went on to lose six of its final eight games. Needless to say, the 2025 team has much higher expectations than that.

But after two wins over Nevada and Florida International, there are still plenty of questions surrounding the Nittany Lions. With a bye week on deck before the biggest home game of the season against No. 4 Oregon, Penn State fans will feel much better heading into this year’s White Out game if they see the kind of performance most expect.

Will Saturday be something similar to the previous two weeks? Or will Penn State’s offense put up the kind of numbers fans want to see this weekend? Our staff gives their picks below.

Matt Herb (Season Record: 2-0)

The last time Penn State played Villanova, in 2021, it went into the game with two overriding goals in mind: going 1-0 and tuning up a rushing attack that had yielded mixed results to that point in the season. The Nittany Lions got their W without too much trouble, but they totaled only 80 rushing yards and averaged 2.4 yards per carry.

Will history repeat itself in Saturday’s rematch? With respect to the outcome, almost certainly. With respect to the ground game … probably not. The Nittany Lions feature proven players at all five starting offensive line positions and in the backfield. Villanova is a very good FCS program, but it would be surprising if the Lions struggle against a defensive front that allowed Colgate to average 4.3 yards per carry last week.

If they do struggle, it’ll be every bit as ominous as it was four years ago. With Oregon on the not-too-distant horizon, PSU needs to get its communication issues sorted as quickly as possible. Yesterday would be preferable, but Saturday will do.

Penn State: 48
Villanova: 6

Greg Pickel (Season Record: 2-0)

Penn State has yet to cover the point spread this season. The last time it took on Villanova back in 2021, it failed to cover as a 29.5-point favorite in a 38-17 win. No line is out yet, but we’re predicting that both streaks will end. The Wildcats will make noise in the Colonial Athletic Association and may even make the FCS Playoffs.

But, they’re obviously going to be overmatched on Saturday. After a week of hearing about not being explosive enough on offense while wanting to be more suffocating on defense, the Lions will put their past two weeks of issues behind them and explode on the scoreboard while keeping Villanova off it.

Penn State: 46
Villanova: 0

Ryan Snyder (Season Record: 2-0)

Villanova is coming off a 24-17 win against Colgate last week. The Wildcats also made the FCS playoffs the past two years, so they’re a quality program in that classification, but not on the level of a North Dakota State, South Dakota State, etc.

But let’s also not overthink what Villanova will become this season. This game is all about Penn State’s size and athleticism, especially on offense. If Drew Allar is going to be among the top quarterbacks selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, not to mention some of the lofty projections for others, there’s no reason this offense shouldn’t put up some big numbers Saturday.

Villanova quarterback Pat McQuaide had a solid game against Colgate – 18 of 28, 299 yards, 1 TD – but he also threw 10 interceptions last year at Nicholls State and 12 the year prior. Penn State’s defense should force a few turnovers in this game, setting up the offense with a short field and easy points.

Penn State: 52
Villanova: 7