Players To Watch
6 min read

Top Performers Shine as Penn State Nittany Lions Prepare to Face Appalachian State Mountaineers

As the Penn State Nittany Lions gear up to face the Appalachian State Mountaineers, both teams are looking to make a statement in their first game of the season. With the upcoming game scheduled for September 1st at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania, fans can expect an exciting matchup between these two talented teams.


Nov 4, 2023; College Park, Maryland, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) spikes the ball after scoring a second half touchdown against the Maryland Terrapins  at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

In order to predict who could have an outsized impact on the game, let's take a closer look at the player statistics from the previous three games of both teams.


For the Penn State Nittany Lions, several players have stood out with exceptional performances. Linebacker Jason Cabinda has been a force on defense, recording 2 tackles and 2 assists in each of the previous three games. His ability to disrupt plays and make tackles has been crucial for the team's success.


Defensive end Shane Simmons has also made his presence known with 1 tackle for loss and 1 sack in each game. His ability to get into the backfield and disrupt opposing offenses will be key against the Mountaineers.


On offense, quarterback Trace McSorley has been a dual-threat playmaker. In the last three games, he has thrown for 904 yards and 5 touchdowns while rushing for an additional 55 yards and 1 touchdown. His ability to make plays with his arm and legs will be crucial against a tough Appalachian State defense.


Running back Saquon Barkley has been a standout performer as well, averaging an impressive 7.6 yards per carry and scoring 4 touchdowns in the last three games. His explosiveness and ability to break tackles will be a challenge for the Mountaineers' defense.


Wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton has also been a reliable target for McSorley, catching 10 passes for 110 yards and no touchdowns in the previous three games. His route-running and ability to find open space will be crucial in moving the chains against a tough Mountaineers secondary.


On the other side of the ball, the Appalachian State Mountaineers have their own standout performers. Linebacker Eric Boggs has been a force on defense, recording 6 tackles and 1 assist in each of the previous three games. His ability to read plays and make tackles will be crucial against a potent Nittany Lions offense.


Quarterback Taylor Lamb has been a steady presence for the Mountaineers, throwing for 348 yards and 2 touchdowns in the last three games. His ability to make accurate throws and manage the game will be key against a talented Penn State defense.


Running back Jalin Moore has been a workhorse for the Mountaineers, averaging 6.5 yards per carry and scoring 3 touchdowns in the previous three games. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact will be crucial against a tough Nittany Lions front seven.


Wide receiver Ike Lewis has also been a reliable target for Lamb, catching 10 passes for 62 yards and no touchdowns in the last three games. His route-running and ability to find open space will be crucial in moving the chains against a talented Penn State secondary.


Based on their performances in the previous three games, it is clear that Jason Cabinda is one of the top performers for Penn State Nittany Lions. His ability to disrupt plays on defense and make tackles has been exceptional. On offense, Trace McSorley's dual-threat abilities make him a player to watch out for. With his arm and legs, he can create big plays and keep defenses guessing.


Looking at average player stats over the last three games, Penn State Nittany Lions have averaged 301 passing yards per game with a completion percentage of 66%. Their rushing game has been equally impressive with an average of 182 yards per game and an average of 6.3 yards per carry. On the defensive side, they have allowed an average of 14 points per game and have recorded 7 sacks.


For the Appalachian State Mountaineers, Eric Boggs has been a standout performer on defense. His ability to read plays and make tackles has been exceptional. On offense, Taylor Lamb has been a steady presence at quarterback, making accurate throws and managing the game effectively.


Looking at average player stats over the last three games, Appalachian State Mountaineers have averaged 180 passing yards per game with a completion percentage of 65%. Their rushing game has been strong with an average of 204 yards per game and an average of 5.8 yards per carry. On the defensive side, they have allowed an average of 17 points per game and have recorded 4 sacks.


As both teams prepare for their upcoming matchup, it is clear that there are several players who could have an outsized impact on the game. For Penn State Nittany Lions, Jason Cabinda's disruptive play on defense will be crucial in stopping the Mountaineers' offense.

Rate the article

Related stories

Top Performers Clash as Penn State Nittany Lions Host Washington Huskies: Watch Tyler Warren
Players To Watch

Top Performers Clash as Penn State Nittany Lions Host Washington Huskies: Watch Tyler Warren

4 min read
PSU vs WVU: Drew Allar's Precision to Test Mountaineers' Defense
Players To Watch

PSU vs WVU: Drew Allar's Precision to Test Mountaineers' Defense

3 min read
Top Performers Shine as Penn State Nittany Lions Prepare to Face Michigan State Spartans
Players To Watch

Top Performers Shine as Penn State Nittany Lions Prepare to Face Michigan State Spartans

3 min read