Preview: Syracuse at No. 5/7 Penn State

Kickoff/TV: Sat., Sept. 12, 12 p.m. ET/Big Ten Network (Craig Coshun, Glen Mason and Charissa Thompson)
Weather Forecast: Mild, showers possible.

Host: Penn State Nittany Lions
Record: 1-0 (0-0 Big Ten)
Last Game: Won vs Akron, 31-7
Injuries: LB Navorro Bowman (Groin - Questionable), DT Brandon Ware (Ankle - Out), DB Jacob Fagnano (Ankle - Out), DE Pete Massaro (ACL - Out Ssn), LB Mike Mauti (ACL - Out Ssn)
Key Players: (offense) QB Daryll Clark, RB Evan Royster, WR Derek Moye; (defense) DL Jared Odrick, LB Sean Lee, LB Navorro Bowman
Head Coach: Joe Paterno, 44th season at Penn State, 384-127-3; 23-11 bowl record
Series Record vs SU: Penn State leads, 41-23-5
Season Statistics:
Offense - 136.0 rush/379.0 pass/31.0 points per game
Defense - 28.0 rush/158.0 pass/7.0 points per game
TO Margin - (-1)

Penn State, on paper -- Last week's final 31-7 score was very misleading, as Penn State rolled nearly uncontested to a 31-0 halftime lead. QB Daryll Clark set a school record with 254 first-half passing yards, including three touchdowns. The defense was much more stout than even the most optimistic reports predicted, allowing only 28 rushing yards and holding QB Chris Jacquemain to only 158 passing yards, 40 of which came on a broken coverage after a PSU fumble. Penn State's defense and offense worked together like a machine through the first half, out-gaining the Zips 344-8!

On the negative side, Penn State did only rush for 136 yards and one touchdown against an active Zips front. Take away the fake punt that gained 37 yards, and Penn State really only rushed for 99 yards, something that's been a sticking point with the media this week. The Lions offensive line had some trouble with Akron's 3-3-5 defense, especially in the second half when Penn State went to the ground more to run the clock.

Visitor: Syracuse Orange
Record: 0-1 (0-0, Big East)
Last Game: Lost vs Minnesota, 23-20 (OT)
Injuries: TE Nick Provo (Shoulder - out), LB Ryan Gillum (Shoulder - out), S Dorian Graham (Shoulder - out ssn), S Ryan Ahern (Knee - out ssn)
Key Players: (offense) QB Greg Paulus, RB Delone Carter, WR Mike Williams; (defense) DT Arthur Jones, S Mike Holmes
Head Coach: Doug Marrone, 1st season at SU, 0-1; 0-0 bowl record
Season Statistics:
Offense - 90.0 rush/167.0 pass/20.0 points per game
Defense - 112.0 rush/248.0 pass/23.00 points per game
TO Margin - (E)

Syracuse, on paper -- The Orange opened 2009 with a hard-fought loss to Minnesota in a nearly-sold out Carrier Dome. Usually a loss would be the worst outcome for a team, but not so much here. Syracuse fans have been looking for a team that shows life, and this one had it last week. After two quick touchdowns by the Gophers, Syracuse looked to be on the ropes and headed for another blowout loss. But the defense stiffened and the offense clicked. Led by some gutsy plays by QB Greg Paulus, Syracuse took the lead before halftime. The problem for the Orange was that it didn't lead when it mattered most, as time expired in overtime. Paulus' OT interception was the game, but fans still cheer their team after the final gun.

Syracuse looked to be greatly improved on both sides of the ball, especially on defense. DT Arthur Jones was a menace up front, usually requiring double-team blocks. That allowed a ton of pressure on Minnesota QB Adam Weber, who finished under 50 percent passing. The Gophers have a ton of offensive talent, and Syracuse shut them down cold. A big deal has been made of HC Doug Marrone's addition of a single-wing "wildcat" package, called the "Stallion." Against an unprepared Minnesota front, the single-wing worked, gaining about six-yards a pop. Orange fans should be worried though, as the offense was nearly non-existent after half time, and Minnesota's defense isn't nearly as good as Penn State's.

On the field -- Syracuse might come crashing back to earth this week. For all that's been made of Penn State's lack of a run game last week, remember, that was a big nit-pick. Practically every other part of the Lions offense was perfect, and the defense was lights-out fantastic. Syracuse took on a decent Minnesota team in the first game of the season, the best time to pull off an upset (just ask Michigan). In 2008, this matchup was non-competitive from start to finish. I don't expect it to be that bad again this year, but an Orange win seems unlikely. Penn State's defensive front seven could have its way with Greg Paulus, taking away valuable time to get the ball out to his receivers. And while Syracuse's defensive line looks to be a decent foe for the Lions offensive line, it won't be able to do the job alone. This game might not be a blowout by halftime, but it will be by the final gun.

Extra points -- Next to Pittsburgh, Syracuse is Penn State's most played opponent... Penn State has labeled the day "Classic Day," encouraging a throwback atmosphere to the 1960's... Syracuse will give the Penn State offense some headaches early, but not many... Greg Paulus won't break 50 percent completion rate... Delone Carter will rush for 100 yards... Penn State will notch at least three sacks... Daryll Clark will have a better game than last week... If it rains at all Saturday morning, the Blue Band won't march pregame... Attendance: 107,610

Prediction: No. 5/7 Penn State, 35 - Syracuse, 9