One Year Later: Penn State Meets Nebraska

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It has been quite the year for Penn State and the football program. Now a
year and change removed from the startling and haunting revelations
from the Jerry Sandusky scandal and a full year and more removed from
the final game coached by Joe Paterno, one hugely scrutinized trial,
unprecedented sanctions and the naming of a new head coach, here we
are.

It is difficult at times to think about just how
much has changed over the past year in the once quiet and isolated town
of State College, Pennsylvania. Putting anything in to words, at times,
can be challenging because there simply is still now way to fully
comprehend just what happened.

But as we enter the
second weekend of November this year’s Penn State football team is
already marking their place in program history as one of the most
inspirational and memorable teams in school history. Those who have
stayed committed to the program -- be it due to a lack of options so
close to the start of the season or a desire to see this program through
tough times -- will forever be remembered for their dedication and
loyalty to what is a still a proud program looking to show what they are
really all about. No matter if Penn State loses their last three games
of the season, no matter who stands by the idea there should not be
football played in Beaver Stadium this season, and no matter how long
jokes related to their university will be shared by rivals, this year’s
team is deserving of respect.
This week they look for a
signature win to add to their bizarre 2012
season.

Penn State visits Nebraska for a
mid-afternoon Big Ten crossover matchup with plenty riding on the
outcome. Penn State’s division championship hopes are still within
reach, sitting just one game back of Ohio State. Penn State will not be
heading to the postseason but at least a share of a division
championship is still out there to grab. On the other hand, Nebraska has
become the team many suspect will represent the Big Ten in Pasadena in
the Rose Bowl in January. A win for either in Lincoln this weekend will
move the winner one step closer to a division
championship.

Penn State has played exceptionally
well on the road in Big Ten play this season, which should be a
tremendous credit to Bill O’Brien and the coaching staff. The Nittany
Lions have outscored their opponents 72-6 in the first half of road
games this season, and 123-47 overall. Matt McGloin’s passing, the
blossoming of sophomore wide receiver Allen Robinson and the consistent
play of the tight ends has proven tough to combat by Big Ten foes, but
Nebraska figures to be the stiffest road test of the season for Penn
State.

Nebraska has always run the ball well, form
the glory days of the triple-option led by guys like Tommie Frazier to
today’s team led by Taylor Martinez. Nothing should shock anyone who has
been watching Nebraska for a while now. The Huskers will run, run, run.
Rex Burkhead may not be fully available this weekend but even without
last year’s breakout Big Ten player in the backfield, Ameer Abdullah, is
more than capable of picking up the load for Nebraska, and Martinez has
been known to do his damage on the ground. Last week Martinez rushed
for over 200 yards to lead the Huskers to a key victory. For Penn State,
strength and conditioning will have to be the key in order to avoid
being run down the way they were Ohio State against two weeks ago in
Beaver Stadium. It will be important for Penn State to realize that it
is going to give up yards on the ground.

It just has
to make sure it doesn't overcommit agains the run, making things easy
for Martinez downfield. Martinez this season appears to be a more
confident passing game, but he is still prone to make some questionable
decisions with the football. Forcing Martinez to scramble for his life
will be easier said than done. You also never know which Martinez will
show up. Will it be the two-interception or four-touchdown
QB?

Penn State has the defense to keep things
interesting, and the offense has the potential to give Nebraska a solid
test as well. But playing in Lincoln is tough.

This
season has Penn State shown it knows what tough is. On Saturday
afternoon we find out just how tough they really are.

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