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Saturday, November 22. 3:30 est. Beaver Stadium
Well, it’s the last regular season game for our 7/8th ranked Penn State Nittany Lions and it’s a bigee. With the Land Grant Trophy (ugliest trophy ever) up for grabs, 15th ranked Michigan State comes to town. Oh yeah, and if that weren’t enough, a PSU win will lock up its second Big Ten title in 4 years and secure a spot in The Grandaddy of Them All…The Rose Bowl. The weather will be cold, which means lots of orange hunting gear, and those on hand for the game will not only witness the final home game for seniors like Deon Butler and Derrick Williams, but perhaps also Coach Joe Paterno(don’t count on it, though). At any rate, this should be a terrific ending to a terrific 2008 Penn State Football season.
Break down…
When PSU is on offense: Against Indiana last week, the offense looked very inconsistent and, at times, nonexistent. Whatever your assessment is, know this, however: our whole goal on offense last week was to get through the game healthy (not to impress), and to get QB Daryll Clark as many reps as possible to get him feeling 100% ready for this all-important game. That being said, our offense needs to prove it can play better than it has the past 3 games. Make no mistake about it, Michigan State has a decent defense, and they will come after Clark; therefore protection of him is paramount, as is his ability to make good decisions. The offense would love to come out fast and score on its first possession, something it hasn’t done since the Wisconsin game. Hopefully we won’t have to wait until the second quarter to get it going, because against Michigan State that may be too late.
When PSU is on defense: Our defense may have its hands full on Saturday if it can’t stop the run. Michigan State boasts one of the best ground games in the country, led by 1,500+ yard running back Javon Ringer and a big offensive line. PSU’s goal will be to make MSU one-dimensional by keying on Ringer. Spartan QB Brian Hoyer can make a play or two, but our defense will be content putting the game in his hands rather than the mileage-heavy Ringer. Hoyer, if you remember, is the same QB who lit us up last year in East Lansing, but his top two targets from ’07 are gone, and the MSU passing game has suffered. Thus, look for PSU to load the box with Hero back Mark Rubin or an extra linebacker to stop the run. We must tackle well and get to the ball because Ringer will make you pay if don’t. Yet, the Spartan offensive line has yet to face a defensive line like we have. Odrick, Maybin, Evans and company will play a huge role in this game…let’s just hope it benefits us.
When PSU is on defense: Our defense may have its hands full on Saturday if it can’t stop the run. Michigan State boasts one of the best ground games in the country, led by 1,500+ yard running back Javon Ringer and a big offensive line. PSU’s goal will be to make MSU one-dimensional by keying on Ringer. Spartan QB Brian Hoyer can make a play or two, but our defense will be content putting the game in his hands rather than the mileage-heavy Ringer. Hoyer, if you remember, is the same QB who lit us up last year in East Lansing, but his top two targets from ’07 are gone, and the MSU passing game has suffered. Thus, look for PSU to load the box with Hero back Mark Rubin or an extra linebacker to stop the run. We must tackle well and get to the ball because Ringer will make you pay if don’t. Yet, the Spartan offensive line has yet to face a defensive line like we have. Odrick, Maybin, Evans and company will play a huge role in this game…let’s just hope it benefits us.
When Penn State plays Michigan State: it’s also Blood Drive week! Does anyone know who wins that thing? Does anyone care?
Bottom line: This game is big. It’s for the Conference Title. It’s for the Roses. It’s for the seniors. It’s for the fans. It’s for Dear Old State. It’s for all the doubters and nay-sayers . It’s for a great 2008. It’s for Joe Paterno.
KNIT’S Pick…
MSU: 7
PSU: 31
Game Notes…
1. DE/DT Josh Gaines practiced this week and will play. His importance to the rotation and success of our d line is understated.
2. Get into the stadium early in order to salute the Seniors.
3. The last of the Lime Green Vest.
LET’S GO STATE!
PSU: 31
Game Notes…
1. DE/DT Josh Gaines practiced this week and will play. His importance to the rotation and success of our d line is understated.
2. Get into the stadium early in order to salute the Seniors.
3. The last of the Lime Green Vest.
LET’S GO STATE!
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