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Penn State vs. Northwestern: Bill O'Brien impressed with undefeated Wildcats

The Penn State Nittany Lions have a tough test this weekend against the undefeated Northwestern Wildcats.

Rich Barnes-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire

The Penn State Nittany Lions are feeling good about themselves after winning their last three games, but Penn State will have a serious challenge this weekend against the unbeaten Northwestern Wildcats.

Nittany Lions head coach Bill O'Brien sees a lot of good things about the Wildcats, including the way their offense operates.

"You know, they do a nice job with their tempo. They play very fast. They do a great job of spreading you out and making you make plays in space. And they do a really good job of that."

No. 24 Northwestern has been putting up points on everybody this year, averaging 33.8 per contest. O'Brien knows Penn State will have its hands full with the variety of looks his team will see.

"We have to understand who their top players are, where they are in the formation. We have to understand which quarterback is in the game," O'Brien said.

"Quite obviously when you gain 700 yards in a game on offense, you're talking about a top‑notch ‑‑ if not for the Baylor‑West Virginia game, everyone would be talking about Northwestern gaining 700 yards in their game."

The Nittany Lions are seeking to stay perfect in Big Ten play but will have to play excellent to make that hope a reality.