The Call: Gophers vs. Penn State

The Gophers, No. 17 in the College Football Playoff rankings, will face their toughest opponent of the season so far in No. 4 Penn State, marking the biggest game for the program in decades. The 8-0 teams are evenly matched, allowing and accumulating nearly identical yards per game. But only one can emerge with a still-perfect season intact.

Prediction: Penn State 25, Gophers 22

Defense wins championships

Penn State's defense is one of the best in the country, allowing just 9.6 points per game. The Gophers defense has allowed an average of just 10.25 in the past four games. Both offenses will have a challenge to overcome.

Martin's return

Gophers linebacker Kamal Martin is tied for the team lead with 46 tackles despite missing three games this season. The latest apparent knee injury kept him out of the Maryland game ahead of the bye week, and he is a game-time decision against Penn State.

Special teams struggles

Penn State receiver KJ Hamler vs. Gophers cornerbacks

Hamler is a dynamic playmaker with 620 receiving yards and eight touchdowns this season. But the Gophers' secondary has been a surprise strength this season, with breakout performances from cornerbacks like Chris Williamson and Benjamin St-Juste. They'll need to break up Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford's pass game.

Gophers running back Rodney Smith vs. Penn State's defensive line

Smith is on a five-game streak of at least 100 rushing yards. With a deep and athletic defensive line, Penn State is second in the FBS in run defense, allowing 68.4 yards per game. The Gophers offensive line is big, but it'll need more than that to block Penn State.

7 Undefeated teams left in the FBS, including Penn State and the Gophers. On Saturday, that number will decrease to no more than five, as No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama also play that day with perfect records.