Penn State vs. Wisconsin: Big Ten Opener Pits Becht, Nittany Lions Against Familiar Foe

No. 13 Penn State opens Big Ten play Saturday against Wisconsin at Beaver Stadium, and the game carries a familiar Iowa connection that fans across the Hawkeye State will recognize. Quarterback Rocco Becht, the former Iowa State signal-caller, leads the undefeated Nittany Lions into conference action against a Badgers squad featuring ex-Cyclone running back Abu Sama III.

Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET Saturday, with the game streaming exclusively on Peacock. Penn State enters as a 10-point favorite, according to DraftKings, with the over/under set at 44.5 points.

How to Watch Penn State vs. Wisconsin

This marks the first Penn State game of the season to stream exclusively on Peacock, NBC's subscription platform. The broadcast team features Dave Flemming on play-by-play, Matt Cassel as analyst, and Ashley ShahAhmadi reporting from the sideline.

Becht Ready for Big Ten Grind

After Penn State's 55-13 blowout of Buffalo to close non-conference play, Becht said the team's veteran leadership will carry them through the tougher Big Ten slate.

All the seniors on this team have played a lot of football and seen a lot of football, the good and the bad, Becht said. So I think our experience is going to take over when we get into conference play, especially in the mental aspect of the game. So I'm excited for next week and the rest of the season.

Becht has thrown nine touchdown passes without an interception this season. He completed 58 percent of his passes against Buffalo after connecting at a 71 percent clip in the first two games.

Penn State's Dominant Defense

The Nittany Lions have outscored three Group of Five opponents by a combined 102 points, and no team has scored a touchdown against Penn State's first-team defense. Coordinator D'Anton Lynn has the unit playing above expectations.

Penn State ranks No. 2 nationally in passing yards allowed (90 per game) and fourth in total defense (201 yards). The Nittany Lions also rank ninth in turnover margin at plus-5 and have not committed a turnover all season.

Linebacker Tony Rojas anchors the defense, while safety Marcus Neal Jr. earned PFF national player-of-the-week honors. The cornerback group has been among the nation's best.

Wisconsin Brings Familiar Face in Abu Sama III

Fourth-year Badgers coach Luke Fickell led Wisconsin to wins over Western Illinois and Eastern Michigan after a 41-13 season-opening loss to Notre Dame. The Badgers sit at 2-1 heading into conference play.

Penn State's roster will see a familiar opponent Saturday in Wisconsin running back Abu Sama III, who played for Iowa State last season alongside current Nittany Lions starter Carson Hansen. Sama rushed for 732 yards and five touchdowns for the Cyclones before transferring to Wisconsin for his senior year.

Sama did not play last week against Eastern Michigan, a decision Fickell called precautionary. The running back was cleared to play but held out because he wasn't 100 percent. He is expected to return Saturday at Beaver Stadium.

Penn State Injury Report

The Nittany Lions emerged from the Buffalo game without serious injury concerns. Starters Brock Riker (center) and Andrew Rappleyea (tight end) left in the first half, but coach Matt Campbell called both moves precautionary.

Riker, who entered the game less than fully healthy, played two series before exiting. Rappleyea left after a second-quarter reception favoring his upper body but looked fine during postgame celebrations. Campbell said the tight end was cleared to return.

Penn State will be without two defensive ends Saturday. Max Granville, one of the team's top pass-rushers, is out for the season. Sophomore LaVar Arrington II will miss at least two more games after undergoing a knee procedure early in the season.

What's at Stake for Iowa Fans

For Iowa football fans, this game offers a glimpse of two former Cyclones now competing in the Big Ten. Becht and Sama both left Ames for new opportunities, and Saturday marks the first time they'll face each other since departing.

The Nittany Lions lead the all-time series 12-9, including a 28-13 victory in 2024. A Penn State win would keep the program on track for a potential College Football Playoff berth, while Wisconsin looks to rebound from its early-season stumble against the Fighting Irish.