Last Saturday in the Big Ten, Penn State and Ohio State lit up the scoreboards on the road, Minnesota and Northwestern chartered unfamiliar territory as they ascended into the Top 25, and Wisconsin and Michigan got blown out at home.
The Nittany Lions went into the Big House and ran away with the game by scoring 39 unanswered points, 32 of which came in the second half. PSU running back Evan Royster provided much of the offense as he racked up 174 yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Daryll Clark added two rushing touchdowns of his own. No. 3 Penn State looks to bring its potent rushing attack into its primetime matchup against No. 9 Ohio State Saturday night in Columbus in a game that has both Rose Bowl and BCS Championship implications.
Before Ohio State could prepare for its battle with Penn State, the Buckeyes had to be sure to take care of business in East Lansing against No. 20 Michigan State. Terrelle Pryor had another efficient day, missing on only four passes while rushing for a touchdown, as the Ohio State defense put the game away in the second half, scoring on two fumble recoveries to blast Michigan State, 45-7.
The winner of this much-anticipated showdown will take an outright lead in the conference standings at the halfway point in the Big Ten season. Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema, who has seen firsthand the abilities of both Terrelle Pryor and Daryll Clark, commented on their abilities to execute in big games at Camp Randall Stadium.
“They are both very quality playmakers, and they’re guys that do well under pressure,” Bielema said. “Pryor was able to execute the winning drive against us. Clark was able to execute throughout the first, second and third quarters.”
Penn State coach Joe Paterno also sees similarities between the two star quarterbacks.
“They are both the same kind of kid,” Paterno said. “They can run, they can throw, and they are really good leaders who play with a lot of poise. As far as their impact on the game, what they can do, and what kind of plays they can make, they are very similar.”
Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald, whose team is making its first appearance in the Top 25 since 2005, credits his team’s early season success to his players’ willingness to come ready to play everyday.
“So far our success this year has come from our ability to prepare,” Fitzgerald said. “The guys have done a nice job coming (ready to practice) right away in the morning.”
Northwestern heads to Indiana this week with hopes of improving to 7-1 overall and 3-1 in the Big Ten.
Fitzgerald, who endured a rough rookie season coaching the Wildcats in 2006 after the unexpected death of the late Randy Walker, spoke with Bielema about how to recover from early season struggles. “Sometimes when life gives you lemons, you need to make lemonade,” Fitzgerald said. “We’re the young coaches on the block, and I just encouraged him to keep battling, and I’m sure they’ll right the course”.
Illinois coach Ron Zook, whose team is coming off a 55-13 beat down of Indiana, is now trying to prepare his team for a tough Big Ten road game at Camp Randall Stadium.
“It will be as physical a game as we have played all year,” Zook said. “They run the football well and are a physical bunch who can control the football. Defensively, they have had a few of the same problems we have had in giving up a few big plays, but they are a solid group who knows how to play the game.
“They are as good as anybody we will play all year.”
