How Can Northwestern Prove the Transitive Property Against Penn State?

Ryan Cole

Oct 8, 2025, 22:30

Ryan Cole

Oct 8, 2025, 22:30

Updated at: Oct 8, 2025, 22:30

What if I told you Northwestern should beat Penn State on the road next weekend? No, seriously, I can prove it.

See, the 'Cats beat UCLA two weeks ago, and the Bruins just beat the Nittany Lions last weekend. It's as simple as the transitive property. This is when those grade school math skills finally have real life application like the teachers promised.

Unfortunately for the Wildcats, odds makers seem to be unaware of this property or at least are choosing to ignore it. Northwestern is currently a 21.5 point underdog, according to ESPN BET. And If there's anything I'm more sure about than the transitive property, it's that Vegas knows better than the rest of us.

So, math aside, the 'Cats are facing an uphill battle on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT. Penn State has had a disappointing start to its season, one that once promised a College Football Playoff berth and a shot at the National Title. But it will still be a tall task.

Here's three things Northwestern needs to do if it wants to prove the transitive property true:

Feed Caleb Komolafe

Two things are becoming overwhelmingly clear. First, the Wildcats have an emerging star at the running back position in Komolafe. Second, Preston Stone is a much better quarterback when the team isn't relying on him to create all of its offense.

Last week against UL Monroe, Komolafe finished with 75 yards and averaged 5.8 yards per carry. The running game in total produced 246 yards. Now, that level of domination in the ground game is unlikely to carry over against a far superior defense, but the 'Cats need to pound the rock and maintain possession.

Additionally, Stone has looked far better in recent weeks than the version we watched against Tulane in the first game of the season. It's critical that his improved play continues, and giving him support in the running game seems to be crucial.

Oct 4, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; ULM Warhawks linebacker Seidrion Langston (16) tries to tackle Northwestern Wildcats running back Caleb Komolafe (5) during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Don't turn the ball over

Northwestern needs a clean offensive game against the Nittany Lions. Even just one turnover might feel like a completely crushing blow.

Recently, the 'Cats have been trending in the right direction in this department. They played a clean game last weekend. Stacking performances like that is what they still need to prove they can do.

Obviously, a ton of this falls on Stone. Maybe he got it all out of his system after six picks in the first three games. If he doesn't give Penn State any extra possessions, maybe Northwestern will have a chance to pull off the upset if other breaks go its way.

Stop the run

The 'Cats have a real opportunity to be the better team running the football in this game. They currently rank fifth in the Big Ten in rush yards per game with 196. But Penn State is not far behind in eighth with 175.4.

Northwestern's defensive line has been much better getting to the quarterback in recent weeks. Star EDGE Anto Saka has a sack in each of the last two contests. It has also controlled the running game fairly well.

That needs to continue in this one, forcing PSU quarterback Drew Allar to sling it around. He may burn the Wildcats himself, but they have a better chance if they can force the offense to be one dimensional.

How Can Northwestern Prove the Transitive Property Against Penn State?