After a heartbreaking loss against Wisconsin, it’s hard to say there’s a Penn State football player under more scrutiny than quarterback Rocco Becht right now.

Becht struggled both on tape and statistically.

He went 12-for-29 for 114 yards through the air and added an interception. His 71.8 passer-efficiency rating was the lowest of his career, a stark contrast to his start to the 2026 season as one of the nation’s most efficient quarterbacks.

Against the Badgers, Becht consistently struggled to stay in rhythm and missed open receivers, namely Brett Eskildsen, who found himself open downfield a couple of times only to be missed by Becht.

“One of them, we just weren’t on the same page, and the other one I probably got to put out there a little more for him to make it an easier catch,” Becht said regarding the errant throws to Eskildsen. “I put both of those on me, and again I just think that comes with reps.”

Becht certainly can stay level-headed after a poor performance.

With more game experience than any other quarterback in the FBS, his coaches still have the utmost trust in him moving forward.

“[Becht’s] a 10,000-yard passer … I know how good he is,” offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser said during Tuesday’s media availability. “I know how talented he is and the way he prepares.”

Despite the lack of rhythm through the air, a silver lining for Becht was how well he used his legs. Excluding sacks, the quarterback rushed eight times for 36 yards and the lone offensive touchdown against Wisconsin.

That success certainly gives the offense something to build on while adding another wrinkle to a unit that hasn’t shown much identity so far this season.

An ability to extend plays with his legs will be critical in having success against a disruptive Northwestern front as the Nittany Lions gear up towards their showdown Friday.

Becht has been at his best this season when he can get to the middle of the field.

Facing a defense like Northwestern’s under defensive coordinator Tim McGarigle could bode well for Becht, as McGarigle’s scheme uses a lot of split-field, middle-of-the-field looks that can let Becht rip passes over the middle.

Layering the ball in between the linebackers and safeties is something Becht has flashed the ability to do, even in overall poor performances like those against the Badgers.

With a short week ahead, the Nittany Lions have the chance to quickly shake off the Homecoming hangover, but much of that responsibility falls on the starting quarterback.

Becht will have all of Happy Valley’s eyes on him to see if he can rebound and keep the team from sliding.

“Everyone in this building is just excited to go out there and play another football game and to show everyone who we really are,” Becht said. “Just continuing to go out there on Friday and continuing to just do our job and have fun and go out there and play ball.”