Last week, the Nittany Lions clawed their way back from what looked like an insurmountable lead against the Iowa Hawkeyes, only to be put away in overtime.
The 3-1 Nittany Lions leave Happy Valley to come to Camp Randall in an attempt to regain their national prestige after dropping from 12th to 20th in the AP rankings.
Penn State and Wisconsin used to play similar types of football. Both played tough, solid defense, centered around the linebackers and ran out of the I-formation on offense.
But, things have changed for both the Nittany Lions and the Badgers, as a dominant, single back running attack is complemented by a newfound aerial assault.
This year Joe Paterno’s offense looks a lot more like Steve Spurrier is running it.
Led by tough sophomore quarterback Zack Mills, the Nittany Lions are throwing the ball more than usual. The dangerous passing game has opened up huge holes for the 6-foot-2, 222-pound halfback Larry Johnson, who is averaging six yards a carry and has already tallied 446 on the season.
Mills’ favorite target is 6-foot-2 wide receiver Bryant Johnson. Johnson is off to a great start this year averaging 110 yards per game. He is a dangerous deep threat who often requires a double team from the opposing secondary.
Joe Paterno has been lining his team up in many different formations throughout the first five games. He’s displayed a three wide-out set, wishbone, shotgun, trips on both sides of the field, and even throwing in an occasional four wide-out set. Paterno is also utilizing Mills’ speed and mobility by running the option.
One player the Badgers will need to keep an eye on is Michael Robinson. Robinson, the back-up quarterback, is incredibly athletic and has been used by Paterno as a wide receiver as well as a running back. He is a threat to run or pass and is used in much the same way the Pittsburgh Steelers used Kordell Stewart in his first pro year.
Defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy is both the anchor and leader of the Nittany Lion defense. Kennedy, 6-foot-5, 330 pounds, and will draw double-teams most of the day and is extremely effective at plugging up the running lanes. He was also listed as a pre-season All-American.
Penn State’s leader in tackles is strong safety Shawn Mayer who has notched 40 tackles so far this year. Last week Iowa displayed a potent passing attack against this defense, and the Badgers should have the opportunity to do the same.
This is a huge game for both squads. For Penn State it’s a big rebound game in the wake of a disappointing home loss. If the Nittany Lions open the Big Ten 0-2, players could start to lose faith.
For the Badgers it is an even bigger game. This is their Big Ten opener and it is against a ranked team. Skeptics have been saying that the Badgers are an overrated team because they have yet to play a worthy opponent, but a win over Penn State would validate Wisconsin’s national ranking.
