UMass is much improved offensively from last season. The Minutemen have put up 69 points and more than 700 yards combined during their last two games.

Penn State is tough versus the run, but the Minutemen can test the Nittany Lions through the air. UMass quarterback Blake Frohnapfel and wide receiver Tajae Sharpe have proven to be a good combination. Sharpe has hauled in 15 passes for 246 yards.

Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg has thrown for 1,082 yards while completing 62.2 percent of his passes. He is an emerging talent. He can correct Penn State's red zone difficulties against such a weak defense as the Minutemen are giving up 35 points per game and more than 417 yards per game.