Marshall at Penn State

The decisive matchup is Marshall’s skill core against Penn State’s rebuilt front seven. Demarcus Lacey, a 65-catch, 769-yard target last season, can stress underneath coverage, while Del Rio-Wilson’s 658 rushing yards add another threat to track. Haas projects a 4-3-4 look featuring linebackers Tony Rojas, Kooper Ebel and Caleb Bacon, with Ebel the leading candidate to handle the MIKE calls. In front, the Nittany Lions are heavier and experienced inside but unproven at defensive end after losing most of last season’s line snaps. Marshall should test that new group with movement, quick distribution and tackles in space.

Marshall’s clearest path is to shorten the game, use Lacey on quick throws and avoid obvious passing downs. Sustained drives would keep Becht and Penn State’s new supporting cast from settling into rhythm. Penn State can take charge by leaning on Carson Hansen’s power and James Peoples’ explosiveness behind a line assembled for a downhill approach, then letting Becht distribute within a familiar structure. That requires the reconstructed line to cohere and Becht to make clean decisions. If Penn State wins first down on both sides, its size can dictate terms; if Marshall stays in manageable situations, its returning playmakers can keep applying pressure.