September 15, 2012 at 2:23 PM

Defensive line

In Navy's only game this season, the team allowed 293 rushing yards to Notre Dame. Against Virginia last week, Penn State gave up 32 yards on the ground. Granted, the Fighting Irish are a more formidable opponent than the Cavaliers, but the defensive line advantage has to go to Penn State this Saturday. Both sides have experience on their respective d-lines, but the Nittany Lions are just more talented. Even with senior defensive end Pete Massaro still not quite at full strength, redshirt freshman Deion Barnes proved he's capable of making plays with two sacks and a forced fumble last week. Penn State's line will get tested against Navy's triple option, but that might be exactly what Ted Roof wants.

Advantage: Penn State

Linebackers

Penn State's linebackers wasted no time making an impact against Virginia as Michael Mauti forced a fumble on Virginia's first play from scrimmage. Mauti ended the game with 12 tackles and Glenn Carson and Gerald Hodges combined for 13 tackles. Again, Navy will probably spend most of the afternoon running the ball, so look for big tackle numbers again from Penn State's linebacking corps. The Midshipmen run a 3-4, and have some decent linebackers of their own. OLB Keegan Wetzel had five tackles and a sack against Notre Dame. And against a depleted running back unit from Penn State, Navy's linebackers could have a nice afternoon.

Advantage: Penn State

Secondary

Navy cornerback Parrish Gaines had himself a game against Notre Dame. A sophomore, Gaines compiled a game-high 12 tackles and also had an interception and leads the Midshipmen secondary against Matt McGloin and the pass-heavy Penn State offense. Earlier in the week, senior Stephon Morris placed the blame for Penn State's shaky third-down defense in the second half on the secondary. Morris added if the Lions can get a lead and make Navy throw the ball, he expects the secondary to come away with a big plays. Through two games, Penn State's secondary has yet to make an interception.

Advantage: Even