For the second time in two seasons, the Northwestern game appears to be a turning point for the Nittany Lions. Last year, the Lions, especially QB Mike Robinson, played a sloppy game, yet somehow overcame the Wildcats. After that, they rolled through the Big11Ten schedule (for the most part) and to the #3 ranking.<\/p>\n
Penn State Gameday Central<\/b><\/a> – Intercollegiate Athletics<\/i><\/p>\n Penn State kept it close, but was not agressive enough around the goal line and fell at #1 Ohio State. Recap<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Northwestern lost their head coach, Randy Walker, over the summer to a heart attack. Their new coach, Pat Fitzgerald, was a star there in the mid-90s and was being groomed to take over for Walker in a few years. Fitzgerald was coached by current Lions linebacker coach Ron Vanderlinden, then assistant head coach, at Northwestern.<\/p>\n So far, the Wildcats are 2-2 with loses to Nevada and New Hampshire, the #1 team in I-AA. They beat Miami, Walker’s alma mater, in an emotional season opener.<\/p>\n The loss at OSU pushed Penn State into the “others recieving votes” category. It could be weeks before they return to the top 25. <\/p>\n Transcript<\/b><\/a> | Audio<\/b><\/a> (Fight On State<\/span>)<\/p>\n Carroll H. Cook (’54 Pitt) had nothing to say about Penn State. Nothing. A shut out. Goose egg. Nil.<\/p>\n The contest is being televised by ABC at 3:30 p.m. some of the nation, but not WJLA-TV 7 in Washington. Coverage Map<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n State College-based Accuweather says the high will be 60°F<\/b><\/a>, but it will feel like 56°F, with clouds and sun. Some light rain may show up later in the day. Other than the rain, it looks like perfect football weather.<\/p>\n I’m hosting a tailgate in either lot 12 or 13. Look for the Yurasko flag.<\/p>\n This is a big game for the Nittany Lions and I think they will respond. Last year’s Northwestern game was the turning point and this year will be, too. A loss this weekend pretty much ends the season, while a victory keeps it going. <\/p>\n There is no way that the Wildcats can keep up with the Nittany Lions. I expect Penn State to establish the run and take more shots downfield. Getting Anthony Morelli comfortable is the #1 priority in my mind. Wideouts Derrick Williams<\/span>, Deon Butler<\/span>, and A.J. Wallace<\/span> all need more touches on Saturday.<\/p>\n Defensively, Penn State will be fine, the unit is really starting to come together, especially CB Justin King.<\/p>\n I expect Penn State to win 30-17<\/span>, not an overwhelming victory, but a victory nonetheless.<\/p>\n Go STATE, beat Wildcats!<\/p>\nLAST WEEK<\/h3>\n
THIS WEEK’S OPPONENT: NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS<\/h3>\n
NEW<\/strike> NO RANKING<\/h3>\nPRESS CONFERENCE<\/h3>\n
IMPORTANT ARTICLES<\/h3>\n
\nBEANO WATCH<\/h3>\n
TELEVISION<\/h3>\n
WEATHER<\/h3>\n
TAILGATING<\/h3>\n
MORE COVERAGE<\/h3>\n
\nPREDICTIONS<\/h3>\n
IN CLOSING<\/h3>\n