The state of Pennsylvania is up for grabs tomorrow as the Pitt Panthers take on the Penn State Nittany Lions.

The Panthers won the thrilling match-up last year, 42-39, as a late interception sealed the win for Pitt.

Penn State leads the all time match-up against Pitt 50-43-4. However, Pitt has won the last two matchups.

Penn State is led by Heisman candidates Trace McSorley and Saquon Barkley, while Pitt is led by a new backfield. Senior transfer from USC Max Browne will look to impress at quarterback in Pitt’s first key matchup of the year.

Penn State is the heavy favorite in the matchup, coming off a Rose Bowl appearance and being currently ranked fourth in the nation. A shaky performance in an overtime win against Youngstown State has Pitt’s chances of coming out of Beaver Stadium looking more bleak.

The Penn State offense will look to take advantage of a weak Pitt secondary, which let up 333 passing yards per game last year and 311 yards against FCS Youngstown State.

Pitt will need an impact performance by star wide receivers Jester Weah and Quadree Henderson. Henderson was named a preseason All-American as an all-purpose player. Penn State’s Barkley also is a preseason All-American.

Pitt will be without star safety Jordan Whitehead, who is widely recognized as Pitt’s best player. The suspension of Whitehead will be an even heavier advantage to the Penn State passing and running games.

Penn State has the definite advantage in the running game, with Barkley being one of the best running backs in the nation. The passing game will be a battle between two strong quarterbacks in Browne and McSorley.

However, the weak Pitt secondary will be the key to the game. The Nittany Lions will have a nice day through the air which will open up the run game for Barkley as well.

Penn State should win, 38-24.