Penn State University will honor over 30 seniors during their Senior Night as they face the Nebraska Cornhuskers on November 11, 2023. The game, taking place at Beaver Stadium at 19:00, marks a crucial opportunity for the Nittany Lions, who have struggled this season. With a current record of 1-6 in the Big Ten and 4-6 overall, Penn State seeks to secure a victory to enhance their chances of bowl eligibility.
The 2022 recruiting class has significantly shaped the program, setting a school record for wins over three years. Since their arrival, the team has participated in four New Year’s Six bowl games and achieved a College Football Playoff berth for the first time in history. Interim head coach Terry Smith praised the impact of the class, stating, “They’ve really transformed the expectation for Penn State football.”
Many senior players, including Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, are determined to leave a legacy as they approach the end of their college careers. Singleton, a highly regarded five-star recruit, expressed his desire to perform well in order to honor his teammates and the program. “Leaving our mark here at Penn State… is important,” he noted.
Both Singleton and Allen have the potential to set significant career records in the upcoming games. Allen, currently third on the all-time rushing list with 3,794 yards, recently achieved a career-high of 181 yards and two touchdowns against Michigan State. Singleton, despite facing challenges this season, is on track to break records for overall career touchdowns and rushing touchdowns.
Nebraska enters the game with a record of 4-3 in the Big Ten and 7-3 overall, featuring a strong running game led by Emmett Johnson. Johnson ranks fourth nationally with an average of 113.1 rushing yards per game. His recent performance included 129 yards and a touchdown, plus three receptions for 103 yards and two scores against UCLA.
Both teams will rely heavily on their ground games, especially with young quarterbacks at the helm. Smith noted the importance of creating situations that force Nebraska to throw the ball, stating, “If we can get those guys in obvious passing situations, we feel like we have an advantage.” This matchup also marks the first meeting between Smith and Nebraska’s head coach Matt Rhule since they last faced off in 2013.
For the seniors, this game signifies more than just a final home match. Safety Zakee Wheatley reflected on the emotional moment, saying, “It’s crazy how fast all these years went by. The last one at Beav, I’m just excited to be on that field one more time.”
As anticipation builds for the game, predictions lean towards a competitive showdown, albeit not as high-scoring as their last encounter in 2017, when Penn State triumphed 56-44. Analysts expect a focus on the running game, with Penn State aiming to finish strong and send their seniors off with a victory.
