Week 12: Indiana at Penn State

Despite its loss to Iowa, Penn State’s dream season doesn’t have to be over — not unless the Nittany Lions drop one of their final two games and allow Ohio State to wiggle in front of them for the Big Ten’s lone BCS spot. Still, nothing was exposed in last week’s contest, and Indiana must fear Penn State just as much.

Penn State has a valuable set when it places Derrick Williams behind center (12 carries for 53 yards, one completed pass last week) and fans can expect to see more of that over these final few weeks of the regular season. The duo of Williams and Evan Royster is now one of the Big Ten’s deadliest combinations, and should Daryll Clark bounce back after his nine-for-23 performance this offense will hit full stride as the regular season comes to a close.

Much has been made about the Nittany Lions giving up 117 rushing yards to Shonn Greene, but the talented Iowa back averaged just 4.2 yards per carry (solid but not spectacular) and had a long carry of 14 yards. This defense hasn’t lost any of its luster — it’s still extremely stout upfront and has experience in the secondary.

Indiana’s quarterback? This week it’ll be Ben Chappell and/or Kellen Lewis and/or Mitchell Evans. Chappell and Lewis have suffered injuries that have impacted their playing status, while Evans has the least amount of talent of the three (one of five passing last week with five carries for one yard). The uncertainty at quarterback will place a great deal of pressure on an Indiana backfield that has not provided consistent results at any point this season.

Notes:

Indiana has collected more fumbles (14) than any Big Ten school, while Penn State has committed fewer turnovers (10) than any conference school.

For the first time this season Penn State’s scoring average has dipped below 40. The good news for Nittany Lions fans is that the Hoosiers allow a conference-worst 32.7 points per game.

Penn State has not lost to Indiana since joining the conference. Last season, however, the Nittany Lions came close to it, escaping Bloomington with a 36-31 win.

Key Player (Hoosiers) — Jammie Kirlew, DE

The Hoosier defense can have an impact on this contest, especially if it is able to disrupt the Penn State passing game. Kirlew ranks second in the Big Ten in sacks with 10.5.

Key Player (Nittany Lions) — Daryll Clark, QB

The ability to forget is a quality every great quarterback must have. Clark’s clunky performance against Iowa last week very well may have cost the Nittany Lions a chance for a shot at the national title; now the junior must start fresh this week (thank goodness he’ll be allowed to do so at home against the Big Ten’s worst pass defense).

Penn State by 18