http://www.sportsnipe.com Penn State Nittany Lions Football, Team News, Updates, and Stats from all sports sources, updated continually. http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048412/tulane-edges-nittany-lions-6360.html CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP)—Tulane's Kevin Sims made a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 19 seconds to play and the Green Wave held on to beat Penn State 63-60 Friday in the second round of the Charleston Classic at Carolina First Arena. Aaron Holmes led Tulane (1-2) with 17 points and Kris Richard added 11. Talor Battle scored 17 points for Penn State (2-2). Tulane led by 10 with 7:57 to play, but Penn State battled back, despite shooting 27.6 percent from the field. The Green Wave shot 36 percent from the field. Penn State led 25-24 after a closely contested first half in which neither team led by more than five points. Tulane will play at 12:30 p.m. Sunday against the winner of Friday's game between Davidson and La Salle. Penn State will play at 10 a.m. Sunday against the loser. Digg | Del.icio.us | Reddit | Newsvine | Email | Print Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048411/opening-indiana-bowl-news.html I had to comment one more time on the Indiana game. I was talking to my brother the other day and he had the perfect description for the Indiana game. It looked like the first game of the season would normally look. The truly sad thing is that it is the next to last game of the season. His point was if that had been the first game of the season, we would all have been OK with the effort. You would?ve heard things afterwards like: They need to work out few things on special teams, Clark needed to get his feet wet in a real game, etc. Unfortunately, it was the next to last game. It does not seem that this team has progressed as much as I thought. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048410/its-hail-murray-no-3-penn-state-felled-by-hawkeyes-field-goal-gazette-online.html It's a Hail Murray: No. 3 Penn State felled by Hawkeye's field goalGazette OnlineFrom there, Stanzi, the same QB who handed the Nittany Lions (9-1, 5-1) 10 points off an interception and fumble, dissected the No. 3 team in the country. ...and more » Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048409/qampa-stefen-wisniewski-rivalscom.html Penn State junior center Stefen Wisniewski sat down to take a teleconference with reporters this week as the... Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1047516/penn-state-football-take-quotspecialquot-page-out-pete-carrolls-book.html " "Misadventures in Happy Valley" - "that would be a catchy and fitting title to a new movie starring the Penn State special teams unit. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1047515/big-ten-spotlight-psus-sean-lee-part-i-espn.html PennLive.comBig Ten spotlight: PSU's Sean Lee, Part IESPNPenn State remains very much alive for a BCS at-large berth and possibly a share of the Big Ten title as Lee leads the 14th-ranked Nittany Lions into East ...Penn State at Michigan State College Football OddsBetFirmsBowl destinies on the line for Penn St, Mich St.The Associated PressPreview: Michigan State vs. Penn StateThe Only ColorsBetUs.com -Bleacher Report -Centre Daily Timesall 290 news articles » Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1047514/special-teams-upgraded.html JayTweet, obviously. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1047513/remain-calm-all-well.html Penn State hits rock bottom and God love 'em, they just keep digging.   Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1046758/big-ten-pickem-2009-week-12.html Zombie Nation picks all of this week's Big Ten games. Which teams will wrap up the regular season with a victory? Can Michigan and others pull massive upsets this week? The bowl pecking order will be pretty much decided by Saturday night, so this is easily the biggest week of the season. Check it all out, in this week's pick'em. (FYI: Each team name links to its respective official football site) ? Illinois - BYE ? Minnesota at No. 13 Iowa - The ZN pick: Iowa? No. 16 Wisconsin at Northwestern - The ZN pick: Northwestern? Purdue at Indiana - The ZN pick: Purdue ? No. 10 Ohio State at Michigan - The ZN pick: Michigan? No. 14 Penn State at Michigan State - The ZN pick: Michigan State????Standings, compiled by Gopher Nation:(doesn't really matter at this point) Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045830/prepared-to-pitch-in.html Lynn would love a shot at returning punts for the Nittany Lions, but thinks the guys handling the job now are doing fine. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045827/bsd-staff-previews-michigan-state.html [Programming note:  Penn State's basketball team tries to extract themselves from the quicksand today at 12:30 p.m. against Tulane (0-2).  No front-page open thread for this one, so it'll be up to someone to put up a Fanpost. - RUTS]   This must have been during a MSU-Notre Dame game. LOLtato. BSD Mike: Oh, how I look forward to this game. It seems like every year Sparty comes into the season finale licking their wounds and hoping to squeak out an invitation to the Alamo Bowl. And every year it's such a pleasure to slap them back to reality. Last year was particularly fun because Sparty woke up that morning thinking they actually had a chance at the Rose Bowl. How cute. Then Daryll Clark torched them silly, and Dantonio went all pissy pants in the final seconds as we celebrated. Here's an idea, Mark. If you don't like our boys celebrating, try beating them. Of course, let's not forget Dantonio had no problems enjoying a Gatorade bath in 2007 while JoePa waited to shake his hand at midfield. What goes around comes around, dude. This year I expect more of the same. Sparty hasn't beaten anyone with a pulse this year. Their passing defense is terrible. The rest of the team is nothing special. Though they'll be playing with that motivation of hoping to get a third tier bowl game, our boys will be playing for a possible invite to a BCS bowl. Just slightly higher stakes. Give the edge to the good guys, and Sparty can take a bus to the Motor City Bowl in Detroit. Penn State 35, Michigan State 17   Kevin HD:  I’m usually pretty good at blinding myself in games like these, but I’ve got to be honest: the more I look at this one the less enthused I am. Yesterday’s Q&A’s had one theme for me: special teams.  It’s not that we aren’t making any big plays in the kick game – we aren’t -- it’s that we’re bad, bad, bad on a level I didn’t quite realize.  I mean, 100+ in most categories with the athletes we have? The bottom line, though: Penn State is the more talented team, but Paterno/Hall need to commit to protecting the quarterback at all costs.  When things break down Clark isn’t going to persevere anyway, but if you give him a chance with calculated risk he performs every time.  Prediction: pain and Paternoball.  I think a blowout here and a struggle in the Iowa-Minnesota game gets us into the BCS, but I can’t predict that in good faith.  Sure, the Iowa game might be ugly, but I suspect ours will be as well.   Penn State 20, Michigan State 17   Run Up The Score:  Be prepared for a shootout, as both teams should have great success(!) passing the ball.  Each team should excel in the passing game for different reasons, however -- Penn State, because MSU's secondary is garbage, and MSU because they protect the quarterback well and our defensive ends are having a below average year applying pressure.  And quite frankly, Michigan State has more quality receivers than we can cover, especially with A.J. Wallace likely out of the lineup.  It's the special teams blunders that continue to terrorize the Nittany Lions -- really, the only disasters we're missing are a blocked field goal, giving up a kickoff return for a touchdown, and the dreaded "krumble" (kickoff return fumble).  Michigan State has a clear edge in nearly every facet of the kicking game.  Further, Sparty should be the looser team, having locked up some random, low-level bowl game while Penn State has to deal with the pressure of grabbing an at-large BCS bid while in a hostile environment.  The common denominator in Penn State's three (three!  It's the 12th game!) previous road games at Illinois, Michigan, and Northwestern.  Slow, slow starts.  Expect another one tomorrow.  On the other hand, Sparty struggled mightily with Purdue last week.  They had 16 less first downs, 20 less minutes of possession, and gave up 524 yards to the Boilermakers...but still won due to special teams play.  Sparty also lost to Central Michigan, Minnesota and Notre Dame.  They needed overtime to beat Michigan.  And yet they're only a three-point underdog at home.  (Wouldn't touch this game with stolen money, by the way.) I tend to get tagged as the negative editor around here, but I don't think I've picked against PSU all year.  Bad feeling about this one, though.  Michigan State starts fast, Penn State makes a run in the middle quarters, and another epic fail on special teams dooms the Lions in the end. Michigan State 34, Penn State 31. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045059/penn-state-strong-in-graduation-rates-pittsburgh-post-gazette.html KIMA CBS 29Penn State strong in graduation ratesPittsburgh Post GazetteThe four-year average for Penn State students was 84 percent, exceeding the 62 percent rate nationally. The GRS 85 percent rate for the Nittany Lions' ...Penn State Student-Athletes Continue Record Graduation RatesGoPSUsports.comall 180 news articles » Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1044403/college-football-psus-evan-royster-quietly-runs-for-nearly-1000-yards.html Rather quietly, the Big Ten's top returning rusher is putting up some pretty good numbers again. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1044402/penncil-him-in-skysports.html SkySportsPenn-cil him inSkySportsCrawford has been part of two strong seasons for the Penn State Nittany Lions. In his first season, the Lions only lost one game and won their conference ... Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1044401/tim-robinson-plenty-has-changed-for-osu-um-livingston-daily.html ESPNTim Robinson: Plenty has changed for OSU, UMLivingston DailyPENN STATE at MICHIGAN STATE ? There's more at stake, bowl-wise for the Nittany Lions than the Spartans, but don't count MSU out automatically. ...Weekend preview of the Big TenRivals.com (subscription)Big Ten notes: Iowa, Penn St., Wisconsin seek shared titleBig Ten NetworkBeating Ohio State all that matters now to Michigan seniorsThe Detroit NewsBucknuts.com (subscription)all 847 news articles » Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1044400/clark-cousins-ready-for-battle-top-passers-daily-collegian-online.html Clark, Cousins ready for battle of top passersThe Daily Collegian OnlinePenn State quarterback Daryll Clark (17) throws a pass during the Lions' 28-7 victory over Syracuse Sept. 12 at Beaver Stadium. By Wayne Staats If there's ...Penn State's Evan Royster eager to reach 1000-yard plateau against Michigan StateDetroit Free Pressall 3 news articles » Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1043269/opinion-lions-come-up-small.html Penn State drops into losers' bracket in Charleston Classic with defeat to CAA team. Fight On State's Mark Brennan tells you what it means. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042446/lady-lions-stampede-bison.html UNIVERSITY PARK, PA.; November 19, 2009 — The Penn State Lady Lions (3-0) shook off the cobwebs of the hour-long bus ride to Lewisburg to turn in a dominating performance in a 77-62 win over Bucknell (0-3) Thursday night at Sojka Pavilion. Penn State landed four players in double figures for the second-straight game to move to 3-0 for the fourth-straight season. Sophomore Zhaque Gray (Chicago, Ill.) and freshman Nikki Greene (Diboll, Texas) paced the Lady Lions with 11 points apiece. Gray also chipped in three rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Greene had three rebounds, three steals and a career-best three blocks. Freshman Alex Bentley (Indianapolis, Ind.) turned in her second consecutive double-digit scoring performance with 10 tallies to go along with four assists. Senior Tyra Grant (Youngstown, Ohio), who did not play in the first half, stretched her consecutive double-figure scoring streak to 15 games with 10 points. Junior Julia Trogele (Devon, Pa.) added eight points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots. The Lady Lions got off to a quick start with back-to-back baskets by Meredith Monroe (Olney, Md.) and Gray to take a 4-0 lead just over a minute into the game. Penn State would make it a 7-2 margin before the Bison scored four consecutive points to cut the lead to 7-6 with less than 17 minutes left in the half. However, the Lions bounced back with a 7-0 thanks to four points by Trogele and three points by Greene to make it an eight-point game (14-6) with 14 and a half minutes on the clock. The lead remained eight for the next several minutes until the Bison went on a 5-0 run to cut the Lady Lion lead to three points at 18-15 with 10:42 left in the half. Gray sparked an 11-0 run for the Lady Lions with a three-pointer, which was followed by a basket by Bentley and four consecutive points by Renee Womack (Lansdale, Pa.). Gray capped the run with another bucket to make it 29-15 with seven and a half minutes to play. Bucknell sliced the lead to nine points with two and a half minutes left, but Penn State ended the frame with back-to-back baskets by Womack and Bentley to head into the locker room with a 39-27 lead. Gray and Womack led Penn State in the opening half with eight points and three rebounds apiece. Greene chipped in five points, two rebounds and a block, while Monroe and Trogele each chipped in two blocks in the opening frame. The lead remained steady at the start of the second half until a three-point play for Rachel Voss and a basket by Morgan Wrightson cut the Lady Lion lead to eight, but a layup by Greene stopped the Bucknell spurt and pushed the lead back to 10 (47-37) with just under 17 minutes left. Grant followed with her first basket of the game before Bentley knocked down a pair of free throws and Gray drained her second three-pointer of the game. Grant capped the 12-0 Lady Lion run with an old-fashioned three-point play to extend Penn State's lead to 20 points (57-37) with 14:23 remaining in the game. After an exchange of points, the Bison scored three straight points to cut the lead to 17 (59-42), but the Lady Lions responded as Grant was fouled on a three-point attempt. She made the first two shots, but came up short on the third. Marisa Wolfe (Ford City, Pa.) pulled in the rebound and knocked down a 12-footer to make it a 63-42 Lady Lion lead with 12:33 left in the game. The Lady Lions added to their lead with a three-pointer by Emily Phillips (South Bend, Ind.) and a layup by Janessa Wolff (Park Rapids, Minn.) to push the margin to 26 points (68-42) with just over 10 minutes left. The Bison would not go quietly as they reeled off a 13-1 run thanks to a nearly five-minute field goal drought for Penn State that included six turnovers. With the score 71-57 and four minutes remaining, Trogele knocked down a pair of free throws and Bentley scored on a jumper to make it a 75-57 game. Bucknell outscored the Lady Lions 5-2 in the final three minutes to make it a 77-62 win for the Lady Lions.Digg | Del.icio.us | Reddit | Newsvine | Email | Print Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042443/rating-penn-state-quarterbacks-where-does-daryll-clark-belong.html For those of you that pointed out how my last title may have subconsciously skewed the survey results, please note that I have replaced the word ?fall? with ?belong?. I want to thank everyone who responded to the survey request. 41 of you sent your lists of QBs for me to use. When I came up the idea to rate the QBs like this, I thought it would be simple; Famous Last Words. As many of you pointed out in your responses, it is not exactly a list of Who?s Who in college football QBs, is it? Even more telling was when I filled out my rankings. I found it much easier to go from worst to best. Basically, this QB was worse than that one. Here are my rankings: Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042442/nfl-odds-college-football-amp-ufc-106-predictions-sportsbook-betting-promotions.html NFL Odds, College Football Odds & UFC 106 PredictionsSportsbook Betting PromotionsThe No. 14 Penn State Nittany Lions visit the Michigan State Spartans in Big Ten conference action Saturday (3:30 pm ET, ABC). The Nittany Lions are 4-1 SU ...and more » Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042441/north-carolina-defeats-valiant-penn-state-8069.html Oh, forget it. I don't even have the heart to write the fake "Tarheels Beat Nittany Lions" post.  This game was a disaster, practically from the opening tip.  UNC-Wilmington (1-2) -- a team that went 7-25 and had a RPI ranking of 273 one year ago -- never lost the lead after breaking a 7-7 tie early in the first half, although Penn State (2-1) whittled the deficit to two points with three minutes remaining.  Chris Babb, Andrew Jones, and Tim Frazier combined to shoot 4-28 from the field.  Babb was an unconscionably bad 2-10 on his three-point attempts.  Despite those awful shooting performances, Cammeron Woodyard couldn't get more than four minutes of playing time -- two more than Andrew Ott received.  Talor Battle scored 29 points, but was 8-23 from the field. However, he was uncharacteristically great from the foul line (11-12). How bad was it?  Penn State had nine steals and only five turnovers, and still lost by 11.  It was obvious that Ed DeChellis was frantically searching for a winning combination, like an 80 year old man about to bet his Social Security check at the racetrack.  Nothing worked.  Perhaps Penn State was flat due to playing a game two nights ago and traveling to South Carolina.  Maybe it was just one of those games where four guys were ice cold at the same time -- the only two players to hit more than half of their field goals were David Jackson (4-5) and Jeff Brooks (4-6).  Except for the unusual amount of made free throws, Penn State looked like the DeChellis teams of 3-5 years ago.  Next to no production from the post players, awful perimeter defense, and lots of bricks on the offensive end.  It'll be filed under the "Bad Loss" category come March, if this team turns out to be bubble-worthy again.  The Charleston Classic, just like the other in-season tournaments Penn State has particpated in recently, is already an epic failure.  This was Penn State's chance to add some quality wins (or hell, some quality competition) to its resume, against teams like Miami, Davidson, or South Carolina.  Instead, it's Tulane tomorrow afternoon at 12:30 p.m.  No rest for the frigid. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1041634/blitz-spartans-gameday-guide.html Now in their 14th season of previewing Penn State football clashes, Nirav Dalal and Mark Harrington bring back the FOS Blitz - Penn State's premier gameday guide for Nittany Lion fans. Get it exclusively right here. This week Rob Riva fills in for Mark. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040952/blitz-spartans-game-day-guide.html Now in their 14th season of previewing Penn State football clashes, Nirav Dalal and Mark Harrington bring back the FOS Blitz ? Penn State's premier gameday guide for Nittany Lion fans. Get it exclusively right here. This week Rob Riva fills in for Mark. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040951/are-you-jellin-theres-always-2011-edition.html The nice thing about a rebuilding year is that by the end you are rebuilt. Or at least that's the theory. Not on the Penn State offensive line. Saturday against Indiana, Penn State started its fifth combination of linemen in 11 games. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040410/penn-stateindiana-staff-predictions-nittany-lions-expected-to-win-big-on-senior-day.html Penn State tackle Ako Poti is one of the players on the spot against Indiana's quick defensive ends. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040409/basketball-open-thread-psu-v-uncsomething.html   Game is on ESPNU and your usual PSU football/basketball radio stations.  Good luck finding it elsewhere. ESPN Game Cast (updates every 30 seconds) Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1039596/preview-no-14-penn-state-at-michigan.html Kickoff/TV: Sat., Nov. 21, 3:30 p.m. ET/ESPN (Mike Patrick, Craig James and Heather Cox)Weather Forecast: Cool, clear.Series Record: Penn State leads, 13-12-1. Host: Michigan State SpartansRecord: 6-5 (4-3, Big Ten)Last Game: Beat Purdue, 40-37Injuries: LB Drew Stevens (knee) - possible; RB Glenn Winston (knee) - out for season; S Roderick Jenrette (foot) - out for seasonKey Players: (offense) QB Kevin Cousins, WR Blair White, WR BJ Cunningham; (defense) LB Greg Jones, S Chris Rucker, DL Jerel WorthyHead Coach: Mark D'Antonio, 3rd season, 22-15; 0-2 bowl record. Season Statistics:Offense - 139.7 rush/274.1 pass/31.0 points per gameDefense - 105.9 rush/245.0 pass/23.5 points per gameTO Margin - (-4)/(-0.36) per gameMichigan State, on paper -- The Spartans are a funky team this season, losing a ton of very, very close games, but winning a few more that were made more difficult than necessary. Michigan State was coming off its first New Year's Day bowl game in 10 years, and had enough talent returning or rising to figure on another successful campaign. That, however, would depend on if the team could do one thing: win some games it wasn't supposed to. Well, that never happened, and the Spartans now sit at 6-5, clinging to bowl eligibility. It's not like Michigan State has been a bad team this season. Far, far from it. In three losses to Central Michigan, Notre Dame and Iowa, the total margin of victory was seven, SEVEN, points, and Michigan State even had control of each one of those games heading into the final few minutes. Wisconsin turned out to be much better than anyone had projected, but Michigan State still put up 30 on the Badgers in Camp Randall. Really, the only inexplicable loss for the Spartans came in a weird, wild upset at Minnesota. The only other close game was last week against a better-than-you-think Purdue team, but the Spartans prevailed by three. Michigan State tried to use the two-quarterback system early this season, surprisingly enough, to decent success. But this is now Kirk Cousins' offense, even if Keith Nicol still comes in for a few series here or there. The Spartans are 0.3 points per game away from leading the conference in scoring offense; they lead the Big Ten in total offense, pass offense, pass efficiency, and kickoff return average. Wonder how Michigan State has been able to stay in every game this season? There's your answer. The Spartans can turn it on offensively against any team, even if sometimes it comes a bit too late. And you can chalk much of that up to the defense, which can't seem to figure out how to make a big stop to save its team's life. The Spartans are allowing a not-terrible 23 points per game, but Michigan State is dead last in red-zone defense, and near the bottom in third-down conversions allowed. Probably more frustrating, and similarly to some of Penn State's issues, Michigan State has been fantastic at creating negative-yardage situations for its opponents (2nd in the Big Ten in sacks), but has forced a league-worst 12 turnovers. Big, game-changing plays on defense have been few and far between for Michigan State, in a season where just one or two might have made a huge difference. Visitor: Penn State Nittany LionsRecord: 9-2 (5-2 Big Ten)Last Game: Beat Indiana, 31-20Injuries: CB AJ Wallace (shoulder) - possible; WR Chaz Powell (shoulder) - possible; RB Brandon Beachum (ACL) - out for season; DB Jacob Fagnano (ankle) - out; FB Josh Matzkin (foot) - out; DE Pete Massaro (knee) - out for season; LB Michael Mauti (knee) - out for season; DT Brandon Ware (foot) - outKey Players: (offense) QB Daryll Clark, RB Evan Royster, WR Derek Moye; (defense) DT Jared Odrick, LB Navorro Bowman, LB Sean LeeHead Coach: Joe Paterno, 44th season at Penn State, 392-129-3; 23-11 bowl record Season Statistics: Offense - 172.3 rush/231.2 pass/28.5 points per gameDefense - 93.9 rush/178.1 pass/11.6 points per gameTO Margin - (+1)/(0.09) per gamePenn State, on paper -- Entering the final week of the season, 9-2 feels much worse than it actually is for the Penn State faithful. The Nittany Lions have had only two opportunities this season to beat premier teams, with both games coming in Beaver Stadium. But Penn State failed miserably in both tests, both on national television. No other final score has even come close to a Penn State loss, which might make the season feel even worse, knowing this team has the ability to play well. That ability just hasn't shown up in big games. The average margin of victory for Penn State this season has been 16.9. However, against all teams not named Iowa or Ohio State, that margin jumps to 23.8 per win. Penn State hasn't reached 10 wins in consecutive seasons since 1994. The Nittany Lions could very easily reach that plateau in 2009, as almost everyone pegged this team for 10 wins just as long as it got off the bus each Saturday. But with suspect special teams and a propensity for turning the ball over at key moments in big games, that goal isn't so certain with two games left against good teams. In 2008, Penn State averaged 24.5 yards per kick return, 10.4 yards per punt return, while Derrick Williams scored two touchdowns on kick returns and another on a punt return. On punt coverage, Penn State allowed 5.3 yards per return. The Nittany Lions also did not allow a blocked punt in 2008. Now fast forward to 2009. With 11 games in the books, Penn State is averaging 18.4 yards per kick return, 5.3 yards per punt return, while scoring not a single return touchdown. This year on punt coverage, Penn State is allowing a ghastly 16.4 yards per return. Also, the punt team has allowed two blocked punts this season, including the game-changing scoop-and-score by Iowa. Against Ohio State two weeks ago, Penn State allowed punt returns of 43, 19 and 45 yards. With an offense that doesn't trust its offensive line any more, a quarterback that pushes in big games leading to mistakes, and special teams that have become the biggest single liability this season, Penn State could have a much tougher time reaching those 10 wins that were thought to be so easily attainable. On the field -- East Lansing hasn't been kind to Penn State. The last outing westward, the Nittany Lions were eying a January bowl game, and holding a comfortable 24-7 third-quarter lead, everything was hunky-dory. That is, until everyone realized that John L. Smith was no longer Michigan State's head coach. Mark D'Antonio would have none of what Penn State was serving, and called for one aggressive play after another. Penn State lost 35-31, due to exactly what this year's game could hinge on: pass defense and special teams. In that game two years ago, the Spartans faked a punt in their own territory to gain a huge first down (and momentum), and bombed away to take the lead, forcing a stunned Penn State offense to wake up form its nap. This season, Penn State can't fall asleep, or it'll be a rerun of 2007. In case you haven't noticed, special teams special team will be a pretty big deal in this game. So, I'm going to call for this game to come down to exactly that: each team's ability to play mistake-free special teams. But that comes in two ways. Penn State should take it literally. The Nittany Lions must hold Michigan State's return teams in check, while not turning the ball over or getting stuck in terrible field position. The Spartans, however, have to take advantage of Penn State's special teams woes, by exploiting the Lions' poor return games and propensity to turn the ball over. It's not a complex formula for either team. And both could end up playing well on special teams. But there will be at least one play that will make or break both teams, depending on which one steps up to seize the moment. In this kind of situation, I just don't trust Penn State.Extra Points: The two teams play for what's probably the worst trophy in college football: The Land Grant Trophy... Penn State started out going 1-8-1 against Michigan State, but since joining the Big Ten, has gone 12-4... all four Big Ten losses to MSU have come in East Lansing... Average score between the two teams in Big Ten meetings: 35-27... Attendance prediction: 75,235Prediction: No. 14 Penn State, 21 - Michigan State, 24 Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1039595/penn-state-gameday-starnewsonlinecom.html Penn State gamedayStarNewsOnline.comWhat is a realistic record and finish in the Big 10 for the Nittany Lions? A: I didn't follow predictions that closely, but Penn State has probably been ...and more » Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1039593/penn-state-studentathletes-continue-record-graduation-rates-gopsusportscom.html Penn State Student-Athletes Continue Record Graduation RatesGoPSUsports.comThe Penn State football (85 percent compared to 67), Nittany Lion Basketball (67 to 64 percent) and Lady Lion Basketball (90 to 83 percent) teams all earned ...and more » Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1039591/tradition-sets-psu-apart-from-field-espn.html Washington PostTradition sets PSU apart from the fieldESPNFor complete coverage of all things Penn State, from recruiting to the Nittany Lions' football and basketball teams and much, much more, check out ESPN ...Big Ten football roundup: History not on Penn State's side at Michigan StatePennLive.comRon Musselman's Penn State football chat transcriptPittsburgh Post GazettePenn State to do battle for Land Grant TrophyClearfield ProgressThe Associated Press -Bleacher Report -SportsBusiness Daily (subscription)all 390 news articles » Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1039590/malicious-internet-interrogation-part-two-only-colors.html       1.  If you were selling the Land Grant Trophy at a garage sale, what price would you put on the sticker? I know that the strictures of blogging require me to say "i shud totes pay them 2 take it away, lololol," but really, I think there's a lot of value packed inside that beauty.  You've got the exquisite mahogany frame (excellent as a replacement coffee table leg in a pinch), two bonus paperweights, fine campus art, that little plaque under the lion that looks sort of like a double light switch, and who couldn't use an impressive-looking trophy-action-guy to put on the ol' mantle?  Seriously, you could furnish an entire apartment with this thing. It's like an '85 Datsun: the parts themselves are worth far more than the sum of the parts.  So, like, at least $3.75, FIRM.   Functional, but only when dismantled into 20 pieces.  2.  Penn State's defensive weakness is against the pass, especially crossing routes in the middle of the field.  Your guys aren't going to be total jerks and try stuff like that, right? Of course not!  Because if we've learned anything from the past few years, it's that Mark Dantonio will go to great lengths to appease opposing fans. In all seriousness: yeah, that's probably exactly what we're going to do.  Blair White is excellent from the slot, and although he had a relatively quiet week against Purdue, he did score a huge 4th quarter touchdown on--you guessed it--a shallow crossing route in the middle of the field.  We've also got B.J. Cunningham, Mark Dell, and two tight ends (Charlie Gantt and Brian Linthicum) who are proficient at that sort of thing.  Cunningham, White, and Keshawn Martin are each also serious deep threats.  If we don't get a whole lot of production from them collectively, Penn State wins. 3.  PSU's special teams are bad.  And by "bad", I mean "run away from the television while sobbing uncontrollably."  Michigan State ranks 7th nationally in kickoff returns and has the best placekicker in the conference.  Is there any part of special teams where Penn State might have an advantage?    The only area where we've been at least semi-weak is on kickoff coverage.  Swenson is an excellent kicker, but he's very average at kickoffs; most teams have been able to return kicks to the 30 with regularity, but we haven't allowed any touchdowns and it hasn't been horrible.  It has been better the past few weeks (allowed Purdue less than 15 yards per return last Saturday), and really I'm not all that concerned about it anymore.  Similarly, punt coverage has been kinda meh, but nothing disastrous. Everywhere else: yeah, we're good.  Keshawn Martin has been absolutely unreal at returning kicks the past few weeks: he had 227 return yards last week, including a return to Purdue's 10 yard line late in the 4th quarter, and a spectacular return for a touchdown against Minnesota.  He's not quite as dangerous bringing back punts, but still quite good.  As you say, Swenson is the best kicker in the conference, and he's coming off a 4-4 day last Saturday (including two 52 yarders). This seems to be an area where MSU has a major edge, and we'll really need to take advantage of it in order to win. 4.  Everyone knows about Greg Jones already, but who are some other players on MSU's defense we should be concerned with?   The linebackers as a unit are pretty good.  Eric Gordon has had a very good season at weakside LB, and Jon Misch had a decent game last week at the other outside spot.  Jones is certainly the leader, however.  The two defensive tackles (Jerel Worthy and Oren Wilson) have both been very good; Worthy should certainly end up on the B10 all-freshman team.  They've been let down by the defensive ends, however.  We hoped that Trevor Anderson would be picking up bunches of sacks this year, but he's been mostly anonymous.  We've had success pressuring opposing quarterbacks through linebacker blitzes, but that obviously creates problems for the secondary.  And the secondary is terrible. So, yeah, worry more about our offense and special teams than the defense.  5.  Let's go back to the conclusion of last year's game, with the score 49-18, and Penn State passing out roses on their sideline: MSU 1-15 at Psu36 Cousins, Kirk pass incomplete to Dell, Mark.MSU 2-15 at Psu36 Timeout Michigan State, clock 00:09.MSU 2-15 at Psu36 Timeout Michigan State, clock 00:09.MSU 2-15 at Psu36 Cousins, Kirk pass incomplete to White, Blair MSU 3-15 at Psu36 End of game, clock 00:00. The team was down 31 points, it was about 25 degrees outside, and the Michigan State players were essentially yucking it up and taunting the Penn State fans who wanted to celebrate a conference title.  So, what the hell?  What was the reaction to those timeouts in Spartyland last year, and did Mark Dantonio inadvertently do all of us a little favor by injecting a little dickishness into this fabricated rivalry?  Was there any justification ever given for that? All right.  So, it should be noted that from the beginning, I wasn't pleased with the move; I cringed when it happened and told the whole entire internets that I thought Dantonio was wrong.  (Look for comments from "Ben."  But most everyone commenting shared my sentiment, I think.)  Dantonio never explained his actions, as far as I know, but I'm sure he would tell you that he was simply running his offense.  I think it's more likely that he was pissed that roses were already being handed out well before the final whistle wanted to stick it to PSU a bit.  Obviously, he was successful in getting under PSU fans' skin, if nothing else.  It wasn't a classy move at all, but oh well. But, like, aren't you guys blowing this a bit out of proportion?  It's not like he killed your dog.  At worst, the timeouts made your team wait an extra 90 seconds to be crowned as the conference champion.  Dick move by Dantonio?  Yes.  Jihad-worthy?  I don't think so.  And anyway, I still don't have a whole lot of sympathy for the weather complaints.  We cheer for teams that play in bad weather; it happens.  I've seen my team get stomped on in worse weather than that; if I was watching MSU clinch a Rose Bowl berth, I'd be way too delirious with excitement and joy and happiness and so forth to even notice that it was 25 degrees outside. Anyway, it's probably not a bad thing in the end.  Like you said, this game needed a bit of spice.  It at least sort of has it now.   Dantonio, in happier days. 6.  What's your confidence level for this game, and how do you see it shaking out? Not all that high, honestly.  Clark picked our defense apart last year, and while you don't have Derrick Williams anymore, our pass defense is even worse this time around.  Also, I have distressing visions of Jared Odrick pwning whoever's blocking him and not giving Cousins enough time to be comfortable.   More generally, Dantonio has done a lot of good things during his time at MSU, but beating teams with appreciably more talent certainly hasn't been one of those things.  So, I'll remain skeptical until we finally win one of these games.  It's at home, which is good, and I could definitely see the special teams stats ending up very lopsided in our favor.  But PSU is the better team, and you're playing for more: a win for us would upgrade our bowl game slightly, but a win for PSU might send you guys to the BCS.  So, an upset isn't out of the possibility, but I'm not particularly optimistic. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1038727/malicious-internet-interrogation-only-colors.html More photos » by Amy Sancetta - AP 7 months ago: Peanut the dog, dressed in a Michigan State Spartan costume, is seen outside Ford Field before the semifinal game between Michigan State and Connecticut during the men's NCAA Final Four college basketball tournament Saturday, April 4, 2009, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta) Browse more photos » Part one of an exchange between myself and LVS of SBNation's fine Michigan State blog, "The Only Colors".  His questions, my answers. 1.  MSU-PSU: great rivalry or greatest rivalry? Greatest, of course!  How else could you explain two teams fighting over a pre-school arts and crafts monstrocity like the Land Grant Trophy?   2.  Penn State allowed almost 300 yards passing against Indiana last Saturday; that statistic alone gives MSU fans at least some hope, as our offense is essentially pass-or-bust this year.  How has PSU's pass defense been this season?  Are there any clear vulnerabilities in the secondary? Keep in mind that Indiana threw the ball 51 times and was playing from behind in the second half last week, but yes, the larger point is that teams know it's better to throw on Penn State than attempt to run.  I would not be remotely surprised if MSU attempts close to 50 passes on Saturday, although I doubt they'll reach the 61 passes thrown by Brian Hoyer against PSU back in 2006 -- and that was in a 17-13 game.  Penn State can be thrown on, but they do their best to protect any obvious liabilities in the secondary.  Free Safety Nick Sukay has steadily improved throughout the year.  Drew Astorino (#28) plays the other safety position, and it's no secret that he's trying to fight through a shoulder injury.  CB A.J. Wallace sustained a concussion last week, he's listed as "possible" for Sparty.  So there may be opportunities for you in the passing game.    3.  PSU leads the conference in sacks.  Does the pressure come primarily from the defensive line, or will the Lions regularly mix in blitz packages?  Penn State loves to get away with just sending the defensive line if they can get away with it.  The defensive scheme actually depends on it, but PSU's defensive ends have been several notches below their predecessors.  There's no Aaron Maybin, Maurice Evans, or Tamba Hali on this defensive line, so they'll send linebackers on occasion, and maybe mix in a corner blitz once or twice per game, but that's it.   4.  The book on Darryl Clark seems to be that he's fantastic if given time, but quickly becomes very average if he's subjected to pressure.  Is that mostly correct?  What are his major strengths and weaknesses? He's like about any other good, but not great, quarterback.  If he has a clean pocket and can set his feet, he's as good as anyone in the country.  If he gets hit too much, he gets rattled and starts making bad decisions with the ball.  In that sense, he can be knocked back into looking like a talented quarterback in his second or third start -- he thinks he can make throws that he can't actually pull off. 5.  Can you tell us a bit about PSU's receivers and tight ends?  Our pass defense has been atrocious, and Andrew Quarless, in particular, worries me greatly.  Starting WR Chaz Powell is out for the game with a shoulder injury.  In his place, you'll see a rotating group including the very tall Brett Brackett and the very quick Curtis Drake.  Maybe true freshman Justin Brown gets in the game, but I doubt it.  Graham Zug had a nightmare game against Indiana last week, but that was mostly due to fumbling punts.  He runs good routes and gets open against passive zone coverages.  Really, that goes for the whole group -- if you can press and bump them, they become ineffective quickly.   As for Quarless, he has all the talent in the world but had squandered it until this season with various off-field issues. He scares a lot of teams, although he's only broken 50 yards receiving once this year, due to a 60 yard touchdown catch against Michigan. Derek Moye is probably our best receiver, but he was totally shut out by Ohio State's press coverage and only had two catches for 28 yards against Indiana.  Because of that, I suspect PSU will make an effort to get him involved quickly.   6.  Special teams have seemed to be a major problem all season long for PSU.  Have things improved at all in recent weeks?  If not, which areas are the most dire?  (Happily enough, MSU's special teams have been mostly fantastic all season long.) Improved?  No, no.  It's a worsening nightmare by the week.  Penn State is 113th in kickoff returns, 107th in punt returns, 114th in net punting, 57th in kickoff coverage, and 117th in punt return yardage allowed.  On top of that, our punt returners (Zug and Astorino) went from being Designated Fair Catchers to dropping everything in sight last week.  So relatively speaking, we're downright awesome in covering kickoffs.  In our two losses, the game turned on a blocked punt for a touchdown against Iowa and a punt return inside the 10 yard line by Ohio State's Ray Small. via a.espncdn.com 7.  Is there anyone on offense or defense for PSU that MSU fans probably haven't heard of, but that we should keep an eye on? Curtis Drake is a good candidate on offense.  He's a true freshman receiver, and is extremely elusive with the ball in his hands.  Last week, PSU's offense was jumpstarted by a long gainer on an end-around by Drake.  Defensively, freshman Stephon Morris has seen a lot of time in Penn State's nickel package and has played well beyond anyone's expectations.  Given Michigan State's propensity to throw the ball, you'll see a lot of him Saturday.   8.  Finally, generally speaking, how are you feeling about the game?  Justifiably nervous.  I don't like hearing that Michigan State excels on special teams -- that's a huge point that can't be overlooked.  Penn State tends to start slowly, especially on the road, and that seems to be an especially bad idea this week with a possible BCS at-large bid on the line.  Michigan State will be plenty motivated, given the beating they received last year at Beaver Stadium and Mark Dantonio's pissy-pants antics of calling two defensive timeouts during the waning seconds of the game in sub-freezing temperatures.  And every Penn State fan is expecting a minimum of two special teams disasters. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1037873/midnovember-mean-only-one-thing-its-awards-time-for-penn-state-football-team.html Penn State defensive tackle Jared Odrick, seen here deflecting a Ben Chappell pass against Indiana, is PSU's most consistent player, according to Bob Flounders. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1037872/happy-valley-sure-if-you-like-volleyball.html STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- The best team in Happy Valley doesn t play at Beaver Stadium. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1037871/great-timeout-weather-this-saturday.html Great Timeout Weather This Saturday They are predicting a high near 50 for Saturday, but most of the game will probably be played in the lower 40s. Supposedly no rain. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1037117/inexperience-has-forced-clark-to-be-careful-ball-on-offense-centre-daily-times.html Centre Daily TimesInexperience has forced Clark to be careful with ball on offenseCentre Daily TimesBut the Nittany Lions scored a paltry total of 17 points in losses to Iowa and Ohio State, when they couldn't protect Clark and he couldn't make plays when ...Running Clark has become secondaryWilkes Barre Times-Leaderall 3 news articles » Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1037116/bcs-bowl-berth-possible-for-psu-pittsburgh-tribunereview.html Bleacher ReportBCS bowl berth possible for PSUPittsburgh Tribune-ReviewTake Penn State's last trip there, in 2007. The Nittany Lions jumped out to a 24-7 lead, but the home team came on strong in the second half to win, 35-31. .../ The State NewsMSU State NewsUW eyes Big Ten title, BCS bowlMilwaukee Journal Sentinelall 14 news articles » Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1036450/video-interview-khairi-fortt.html When talking about the best LBs in the class of 2010, amongst the names that must be mentioned is Khairi Fortt. He is a chiseled 6'2" 225lb LB who holds more than 22 offers. To date, he has visited the campuses of Connecticut, Rutgers, Boston College, California, Penn State and Notre Dame. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1036449/linebacker-jones-gives-spark-to-msu-daily-collegian-online.html Linebacker Jones gives spark to MSUThe Daily Collegian OnlineMichigan State linebacker Greg Jones (53) chases down running back Evan Royster in Penn State's 49-18 win last season at Beaver Stadium. ... Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1036448/running-clark-has-become-secondary-wilkes-barre-timesleader.html Running Clark has become secondaryWilkes Barre Times-LeaderPenn State's self-dubbed Spread HD offense hasn't been quite as ?highly diverse? this season as it was for most of 2008. Or what the Nittany Lions ran with ...and more » Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1035356/penn-statemichigan-state-at-glance.html Line: Penn State by 3. Series Record: Penn State leads 13-12-1. Last meeting: 2008, Penn State 49-18. What's at Stake Penn State likely must win the regular-season finale to have a shot at an at-large BCS berth. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1035353/wont-joepa-change-pittsburgh-post-gazette.html Pittsburgh Post GazetteWhy won't JoePa change?Pittsburgh Post GazetteYou can follow the Nittany Lions daily here as well as my new daily blog on Penn State football at PG-Plus. Membership in that site is only $3.99 per month ...and more » Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1034426/coverage-map-penn-state-at-michigan.html So, you want one last shot to look good on national television? Here's your chance, with a bigger broadcast-audience (ABC) than we've seen all season. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1034425/bowman-tackles-player-game.html In a runaway, the Nittany Lion linebacker is honored as the FOS POG for his performance vs. the Hoosiers. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033569/no-14-penn-state-92-52-michigan-65-43.html THE ESSENTIALS TV: ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET Announcers: Mike Patrick (play-by-play), Craig James (analyst), Heather Cox (sideline) Site: Spartan Stadium You should know: Penn State can claim a share of its second straight Big Ten title with a victory and an Ohio State loss. Last meeting: 2008 - Penn State, 49-18 All-time series: Penn State, 13-12-1 Big question : With the Rose Bowl out of the equation, can the Nittany Lions avoid a potential letdown at a place where they tend to struggle? How we see it playing out: Penn State 27, Michigan State 20 Penn State needs help to earn a share of a second consecutive Big Ten championship, but it may only need to beat Michigan State to find itself with a chance at grabbing an at-large BCS invitation. Another impressive performance from quarterback Daryll Clark would certainly help. The most productive game of Clark's career came against the Spartans last season, and the senior will try to bounce back from a pair of uneven performances Saturday and help the 14th-ranked Nittany Lions boost their BCS hopes in East Lansing. Clark, a first-team all-Big Ten selection in 2008, led Penn State (9-2, 5-2) to a Big Ten title and the Rose Bowl last season, but threw three of his six interceptions in its two defeats. Clark's two worst games this season also happened in losses. He threw three interceptions in a 21-10 loss to Iowa on Sept. 26, and went 12 for 28 for 125 yards and an interception Nov. 7 as Penn State fell 24-7 to Ohio State. The senior was unremarkable again Saturday against Indiana, throwing interceptions on the Nittany Lions' first two possessions, part of a four-turnover first half for coach Joe Paterno's team. Clark settled down from there, throwing for 194 yards and a touchdown, and Navorro Bowman's interception return for a score broke a 10-all tie as Penn State won 31-20. The Nittany Lions are 12-0 the past two seasons when Clark doesn't throw an interception. Penn State needs to win and have Ohio State lose at Michigan to earn a share of the conference title, but its BCS hopes are alive. Paterno's team is 14th in the BCS standings, the lowest it can finish to be considered for a BCS at-large bid. A fan base that historically packs bowl venues make the Nittany Lions an attractive option to BCS organizers - provided they first beat the Spartans (6-5, 4-3). Clark threw for 341 yards and set a career high with five touchdowns - four passing - in Penn State's 49-18 rout of Michigan State last year. Clark is second in passer rating (139.7) in the Big Ten behind the Spartans' Kirk Cousins (149.7), who has done an outstanding job of limiting his mistakes. The sophomore has thrown 10 touchdowns and one pick in his last five games, tossing three TDs Saturday at Purdue in a 40-37 victory that made Michigan State bowl eligible. "We're 2-0 in the month of November," coach Mark Dantonio said. "We'll try to make it 3-0 when Penn State comes in. And the number seven, for those who are spiritual, means completion. Finishing is something we've made a lot of since the end of last season." Senior receiver Blair White leads the Big Ten with eight touchdowns and the Spartans lead the conference in total offense (413.7 yards per game), but they'll be facing a Nittany Lions defense ranked fourth among Football Bowl Subdivision teams in points allowed (11.6 ppg) and ninth in total yards (272.0). Historically, however, Penn State's defenses haven't fared well in East Lansing. Paterno's team has allowed an average of 36.5 points and 448.3 yards in losing four of six at Spartan Stadium since 1997. Michigan State rallied from a 24-7 third-quarter deficit to win 35-31 on Nov. 17, 2007, Penn State's most recent visit. - The Associated Press provided this report. VIDEO AUDIO LINKS Nittany Lion game notes Nittany Lion headlines Nittany Lion video Nittany stats Power rankings BCS Spartan game notes Spartan headlines Spartan video Spartan stats Power rankings BCS Digg | Del.icio.us | Reddit | Newsvine | Email | Print Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033568/new-penn-st-tix-plan-to-account-for-seat-location.html Penn State plans to adjust its season-ticket pricing guidelines in 2011 to account for where people sit in Beaver Stadium. Some fans might have to fork over more money to the booster club to stay in their seats, or can pay the same amount but possibly be moved to a less desirable location - say someone going from seats on the 40 to behind the end zone. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033567/new-penn-st-tix-plan-to-account-for-seat-location-ap.html Penn State plans to adjust its season-ticket pricing guidelines in 2011 to account for where people sit in Beaver Stadium. Some fans might have to fork over more money to the booster club to stay in their seats, or can pay the same amount but possibly be moved to a less desirable location -- say someone going from seats on the 40 to behind the end zone. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1032645/indianapenn-state-notebook-beachu.html Almost everything went wrong for Penn State in the first half Saturday, but amazingly, the game was tied at 10 after a Nittany Lion TD in the closing seconds. Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1032644/nittany-lions-take-on-uncwilmington-in-first-round-charleston-classic-gopsusportscom.html Bleacher ReportNittany Lions Take On UNC-Wilmington In First Round Of Charleston ClassicGoPSUsports.comTalor Battle, who leads the Nittany Lions averaging 17.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, was held to just eight in the contest. Penn State is averaging ...Penn State All-Time Defensive TeamBleacher Reportall 2 news articles » Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1032643/happy-valley-sure-if-you-like-volleyball-usa-today.html Happy Valley? It sure is if you like volleyballUSA TodayNo doubt, though, Juniata's accomplishments get overshadowed by Penn State in a sport that has a small but loyal following. Likewise, the Nittany Lions' ... Penn State Nittany Lions Football - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates