It was my freshman year that Northwestern made its shocking run to the Rose Bowl. The Wildcats have been respectable ever since, having some bad seasons here and there, but overall representing the Big Ten conference well. That the program with the toughest academics and lowest enrollment can hang in their against enormous Land Grant schools is something they should be proud of in Evaston. The Indiana Hoosiers wishes they were as good as Northwestern.
The Wildcats who come to Happy Valley to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions tomorrow are 5-2, but it is a soft 5-2. I think it was the Slow States podcast (Tipper Gore thinks you should listen with headphones if you are at work) that mentioned Northwestesrn being the second worst 5-2 team in the country. That’s good to know and not entirely surprising. They don’t have much of a defense, but quarterback Dan Persa is effective in the Northwestern’s short yardage passing game. That could give the Nittany Lions a lot of trouble since the linebacking is not up to the usual Penn State standard.
As for Penn State, Rob Bolden returns at quarterback (I think) after missing last week following his concussion in the Minnesota game. He wasn’t missed as Matt McGloin had the game of his life against Michigan. While it is tempting to start McGloin again and ride the hot hand, I think going with Bolden is the right decision. He has more tools than McGloin and technically more experience.
Penn State’s offensive line had a breakthrough game against a terrible Michigan defense last week. Can they build on that and open up holes for Evan Royster and Silas Redd? A strong ground game tomorrow is Bolden’s best friend as he gets back into action. If Royster has turned the corner on this season, the Nittany Lions could put a nice little run together.
One thing about Northwestern, I suspect they have smarter football players than say, Michigan, but they are not the caliber of athlete as Penn State or the upper half of the Big Ten. They may prove to be more challenging than the last two defenses that Penn State faced.
Given that the Nittany Lions must be feeling confident, plus a 3:30 start, I think it is going to be a happy day in Happy Valley. Joe Paterno will win his 400th game and Penn State will reach bowl eligibility.
Northwestern 24
PENN STATE 34