Penn State has had one of the best defenses in the nation through the first month of the season. The unit is only giving up 11.5 points per game, with a lot of that average coming in garbage time when the backups are in.
Obviously, a big key to the dominant defense is the stingy secondary, which has only allowed 126 yards per game through the air. With Northwestern on the schedule next, the Nittany Lions will be up against one of the best receivers in the Big Ten in Griffin Wilde.
This means that Penn State cornerback Audavion Collins could be matched up against him a good bit on Friday. He is by far the best cover man on the roster right now, and he’s been one of the highest-graded defensive backs in the entire nation through four games.
Wilde
exploded for two touchdowns last week after going scoreless through the Wildcats’ first two games. But he had nearly 200 yards in those games without a touchdown, so it’s clear how versatile he is and how dangerous he can still be if you shut down one part of his game.
Collins is up to the challenge, though. Not only has he not given up any touchdowns yet this year, he’s hardly allowed any catches. This will be one of the best, and most underrated matchups of the entire college football weekend between two of the best at their positions in the Big Ten.
Collins has been one of the main drivers of defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn’s unit, and Penn State will be relying on him to lead the charge once again. He has a big opportunity to show the country just how good of a cornerback he is this week.
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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State CB Audavion Collins facing toughest test of 2026 season
