Preview: Penn State v.s Eastern Illinois

The Other Side:  I must say it was pretty painful to type the title of this post. Really, Eastern Illinois? Well let's take a look at this team. The Panthers come into  the matchup with Penn State with a 4-1 record. They are led by former Iowa Qb Jake Christensen. Christensen on the year has competed 89-138 passes for 1090 yds, 11 TDs to 3 interceptions. The running game is headed up by another name that may sound familiar, Mon Williams. Williams is a transfer from Florida after tearing his ACL in 2007. On the year Williams has toted the rock 77 times for 441 yds and 6TD's. He's backed up by speedster Chevon Walker, another Florida transfer, who took 9th in the SEC track championships in 2008 with a 10.51 100m. On the year Walker has carried the ball 35 times for 209 yds. The Panthers have spread the ball around with seven receivers having over 100 yds and 7 different receivers catching TDs.

Penn State Keys to the game: Penn State should have this one out of reach early. Coming of and outstanding second half at Illinois, the offense needs to continue to roll. While the offensive line needs to get reps, this is a game where they can rest up/get some starters healthy and gain some experience for the depth chart. Clark needs to build on last week and regain some confidence that is still lying near the bench in Iowa. Probably the most important thing that needs to happen in this game is Newsome needs to get some reps early with the first team. There are not many games left on the schedule to get him quality time under center.

On defense this is a chance to continue to get the younger guys live 1st team reps, while the starters rest/heal. I highly doubt we see #45 on the field this week as its just not worth the risk. I'm excited that some of the young corners and Lbers are getting so much playing time. This will play dividends next year. Now the coaches just need to do it with a young QB.

Special teams: So far this season (minus Boone) the special teams have not been so special. This should be a game to get that back on track. If that doesn't happen in this game its probably not going to happen this year.

Prediction: Another snoozer, 45-3 Lions roll. Set the DVR's because we should get a good long look at the freshman that have burned their redshirts already this year.