After nine months of preparation, Matt Campbell is ready to unveil his vision for the Penn State football program as they kick off the season against the Marshall Thundering Herd. Scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 PM at Beaver Stadium, this matchup marks the beginning of Campbell's tenure with the Nittany Lions, who are favored by three touchdowns.
Campbell, who previously led Iowa State, has focused on building a robust roster that emphasizes experience and size. This approach has resulted in a team featuring 40 transfers, including 24 from Iowa State, alongside approximately 50 returning players from Penn State. The Nittany Lions are poised to be more experienced this season, with 21 players who started at least half of their games last year.
Despite losing key players, including first-round draft pick Vega Ioane, Campbell is optimistic about the offensive line's potential. Anthony Donkoh, the only returning starter, will shift back to right tackle, while Brock Riker, a Freshman All-American from Texas State, takes on the center position. Riker's leadership has impressed his teammates, particularly Iowa State transfer Trevor Buhr, who praised Riker's communication and skill at the point of attack.
On the left tackle position, Malachi Goodman, a former four-star recruit from New Jersey, is set to make his debut after not playing last season. Campbell has noted Goodman's significant improvement during training camp, highlighting his consistency and growth.
In the backfield, the Nittany Lions will adopt a more diverse running game this season, utilizing four running backs: Carson Hansen, James Peoples, Quinton Martin Jr., and Cam Wallace. This marks a departure from the previous seasons where Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton were the primary ball carriers.
Defensively, the team will rely on linebacker Tony Rojas and cornerback Audavion Collins, both of whom have shown strong performances in fall camp. Rojas, who suffered a knee injury last season, is eager to return to form, while Collins, who started every game last year, is recognized for his quickness and ability to read plays effectively.
On the opposing side, Marshall enters the game with a challenging season behind them, having allowed an average of 30.3 points per game last year, finishing with a 5-7 record. The Thundering Herd returns only three starters on defense and six on offense, including quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, who was responsible for 23 touchdowns last season. Campbell acknowledges the difficulties of first games, emphasizing the unique challenges they present regardless of experience.
As the Nittany Lions prepare to face Marshall, Campbell is eager to see how his team responds to the challenges posed by a formidable opponent. "I’m looking forward to seeing how we handle the challenges," he stated. The outcome of this game will not only set the tone for the season but also provide insights into the team's development under Campbell's leadership.
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