Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State Football: 3 Nittany Lions to Watch in the Game Against Temple

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 3, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lion fans cheer during the fourth quarter against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Kent State 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports

When Penn State takes the field against Temple on Saturday there will be three particular Nittany Lion players to keep an eye on.

With the tough road loss to Pitt now in the rearview mirror, it is time to focus on Week 3. Next up is a revenge game with in-state Temple. The Owls surprised the Nittany Lions in Philadelphia during last year’s season opener.

Penn State will be looking to avenge that loss on Saturday.

This past Saturday at Pittsburgh was a tale of two halves, as the Nittany Lions went down by double-digits early, but clawed back into the game. They eventually lost by just three points.

Fans had some very high expectations for Penn State heading into this year, but things haven’t exactly gone as planned yet. Still, despite the loss last week, the new-look offense has shown a lot of promise.

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The defense has been the issue at the start of this season. Kent State moved down the field for much of the game in Week 1. Last week, Pittsburgh absolutely gashed defensive coordinator Brent Pry’s unit. The Panthers ended the game with 341 team rushing yards.

Penn State is currently favored against the Owls, as Temple hasn’t shown much yet on either side of the ball.

Regardless of what the point spread is, the Nittany Lions will need to play solid in all aspects of the game in order to avoid the upset.

Check out this week’s three Nittany Lions to watch.

Sep 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) dives over the line of scrimmage into the end-zone for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

RB Saquon Barkley

If Saquon Barkley wasn’t in the conversation as one of the best running backs in the country before, he is now. Although he failed to break 100 yards last week, Barkley was a major factor for the Nittany Lions. He scored four rushing touchdowns and added one in the air.

It may seem a bit cliche to list Barkley as a player to watch, but he continues to amaze each week. From spinning and juking, to diving over the entire pile to get into the end zone, Barkley is a human highlight reel.

This week he’ll face a Temple defense that is down nine starters from last season.

Even if Barkley doesn’t have a big game, he’s still an important player for the Nittany Lions. With defenses spending a lot of attention on stopping him, the passing attack should open up for quarterback Trace McSorley.

Barkley is an electric player, so be sure to keep an eye peeled to him each time he touches the ball.

Oct 10, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback John Reid (29) celebrates after intercepting the ball during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Indiana 29-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports

CB John Reid

Reid has been an important player for the Nittany Lions both on defense and special teams. That trend should continue this week against Temple.

The cornerback is tied for fourth on the team with nine total tackles. He also has a half-a-sack and a fumble recovery. Reid is part of a Penn State secondary that’s allowed just 220 total passing yards through the first two games.

Perhaps even more important than Reid’s play on defense is his role on special teams. Now the primary punt returner, he’s put up 83 yards on eight returns. His 59-yard return in the first half last week set up Penn State’s first touchdown against Pitt.

Be sure to keep an eye on Reid this week, as the Nittany Lions will likely need a big play from him in some fashion.

Sep 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver DeAndre Thompkins (3) makes a catch against Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Ryan Lewis (rear) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. PITT won 42-39. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

WR DeAndre Thompkins

Thompkins had a a lot of upside when he entered Penn State, but it’s taken him a while to get going. After being given a redshirt in 2014, he wasn’t a big contributor on offense as a redshirt freshman last year, making just three catches for 33 yards.

However, through two games this year, Thompkins has already become more involved in Penn State’s offense. After making one catch for 43 yards against Kent State, he grabbed three receptions for 87 yards at Pitt. He also made a fantastic catch that put the Nittany Lions in scoring position.

One of the fastest guys on the team, Thompkins has quickly established himself as a downfield threat for quarterback Trace McSorley. With a 32.5-yard average per reception this season, Thompkins has been a key piece of the offense.

Starting wide receiver Saeed Blacknall missed the game at Pitt, providing a bigger opportunity for Thompkins.

On the official depth chart for the Temple game, Thompkins is now listed as the starter with Blacknall out again. Keep an eye on the speedster and expect a big play or two down the field.

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