The Penn State Football Show

Duke, like Notre Dame, is one of those schools you either like or you hate. I'm of the latter. Coincidentally I feel the same way about UNC. Regardless, I am extremely excited for Greg Paulus, former Duke point guard (although he lost his 3 year starting spot as a senior...ouch!), to get turned into a sack lunch this Saturday. It's a special feeling when you get to face a quarterback you absolutely despise in a game where you are positive that he will be knocked around like a beachball at a Nickleback concert. Syracuse nearly pulled out a victory against Minnesota in overtime last week, but a costly Paulus interception ended the game. To his credit, he played pretty well, Considering that he hasn't played football in 5 years and only practiced over the summer, it's remarkable that he is a starting quarterback not to mention that he was an effective one against a legitimate bowl contending Big Ten team. This week will be a little different though.

Paulus will go up against a relentless defensive line that treated Akron's O-line like a wet paper bag. Delone Carter is a pretty good running back for Syracuse, but playing on a team like Syracuse doesn't do him any favors. Penn State shouldn't have trouble containing the run this week or any week this fall, and they can focus on getting after the quarterback. It should be interesting to see how Paulus deals with the pass rush. I haven't seen much film from their game against Minnesota, but I assume that Paulus has some scrambling ability. The secondary for PSU, which played well against Akron, should have a pretty relaxing day in the sun. My prediction to the right of 45-6 may seem a little lopsided, but with the way the Lions played in the second half last week, I think they will be pushing to play at a high level the whole game. I also don't see Syracuse being able to get in the endzone. Akron's only score was on a coverage breakdown, and Jacquemain threw a great ball. Paulus isn't as polished a passer at this stage of the season, and with the way PSU stuffs the run, it could very well be a touchdownless day for the Orangemen.

Look for Penn State to get even better offensively. Their wideouts were the stars last week while the run game was below average. Syracuse will have more standard defensive formations so the offensive line should have an easier time clearing some holes for Royster and Co. Expect PSU to make a statement in the ground game, and I anxiously await round two of Clark with his new set of BIG targets. I predict a return touchdown from "Speed Devon" Smith (get it? Like speed demon, but Devon instead). Bag 'em and tag 'em, tell me how Beaver stadium's grass tastes, Greg.