San Diego State at Penn State: Nittany Lions gaining momentum?

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Penn State hosts San Diego State on Saturday. Here’s a closer look:

Penn State vs. San Diego State
Beaver Stadium, State College
Saturday, 3:30 p.m., Big Ten Network

Scouting Penn State
The Nittany Lions (2-1) played what was, James Franklin said, probably their most complete game in his two seasons as head coach last week in beating Rutgers, 28-3. They ran for 338 yards, their highest total in a Big Ten game since 2009, with freshman Saquon Barkley accounting for 195 of those off the bench and starter Akeel Lynch contributing 120, including a 75-yard touchdown run. The defense limited RU to 294 yards (43 on the ground) and punter Chris Gulla, benched midway through last season, regained his job and averaged 41 yards on five attempts.

Scouting San Diego State
The Aztecs (1-2) lost at home to South Alabama last week, 34-27, in overtime, despite a 38-carry, 140-yard effort by Donnel Pumphrey. Pumphrey scored on an eight-yard run with 2:05 left, but the Jaguars tied it on a late field goal, then won it in the extra session. The 5-foot-9, 180-pound Pumphrey, who rushed for 1,867 yards last season, has 249 yards this season (3.7 ypc). He also has nine receptions. SDSU’s specialists have excelled. Kicker Danny Hageman nailed a 54-yard field goal last week, while kickoff returner Rashaad Penny is averaging 37.3 yards, punt returner Lloyd Mills 18 yards — good enough for eighth and 16th, respectively, in the national rankings.

History
First meeting. The Aztecs, in fact, have never faced a team from Pennsylvania.

Storyline to watch
Perhaps this is the week PSU quarterback Christian Hackenberg gets untracked, after completing just 49.3 percent of his passes through the first three games, with one touchdown and two interceptions. The Aztecs, who play a funky 3-3-5 defense, are allowing 233 yards a game through the air.

What’s at stake?
Hey, throw out the record books when two traditional rivals like this get together.

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