• Penn State will open conference play at Rutgers on September 13th.  This will be the first ever Big 10 game for the Scarlet Knights.  The 9/13 date is actually the date originally scheduled for the PSU-Rutgers non-conference match.  Rather than starting from scratch, the game was just converted to a Big 10 date.  PSU will return to non-conference play the following week vs. UMass at home.
• The Lions get their first look at old eastern rival/new divisional rival Maryland in Beaver Stadium on November 1st.  This will be the first time the two schools have met since 1993, when PSU hammered the Terps in College Park 70-7.
• Ohio State returns to Beaver Stadium on October 25th.  I’ll just get this out of the way now: It will be a night game, and you will be wearing white.
• PSU returns to Michigan Stadium for the first time since 2009 on October 11th.  The Lions and Wolverines meet for the first time since 2010 this coming fall in Happy Valley.
• THE LAND GRANT TROPHY IS BACK! PSU and Michigan State will renew the battle for this in the regular season finale in Beaver Stadium on November 29th.
• The Lions will also face Northwestern at home, along with trips to Indiana and Illinois.
• Expect the 2015 schedule to include these same teams, with home field flipped.  The conference is still working out specific dates for games.  The 2015 season will be the final Big 10 season with only 8 games, as the schedule expands to 9 in 2016.

Follow VBR Lead Editor Matt de Bear on Twitter for the latest on Penn State

So what can you expect over the next 4 days in Chicago?  I’m glad you asked.  Here are a few things to watch for over the weekend!

The first half would best be described as sloppy, as neither team shot particularly well.  Jermaine Marshall was the Lions’ lone bright spot, putting in 9 points on 4 of 8 shooting, including a couple tough, athletic plays to get to the basket and beat IU’s shot blockers.  The rest of the PSU offense was 4 for 19 from the floor in the opening 20 minutes.  The Indiana defense deserves plenty of credit for those numbers, as PSU struggled to get into any sort of rhythm on offense.  The Hoosiers applied plenty of pressure on the ball, and did not allow the Lions to get much going to the basket.  Indiana was better, but not by much, at just 37% from the floor, but they did connect on 5 three pointers, and grabbed 8 offensive rebounds.

The second stanza began exactly how the first did, only with the Hoosiers scoring 8 unanswered this time before Chambers took a timeout just 65 seconds in.  All told, the Hoosiers would hit 6 of 9 threes in the second half, and made their way to the line 23 more times as PSU never came closer than the 14 points they trailed by at the break.  D.J. Newbill did score 14 of his PSU leading 18 in the second half, while grabbing 7 boards.  Indiana’s Victor Oladipo lead all scorers with 19.  Player of the year candidate Cody Zeller was held to 0 field goals, scoring only 2 free throws.  It’s a testament to the depth Tom Crean has assembled that a potential lottery pick was held without a field goal, and the game was never in doubt.

As for PSU, this looks like a tired team, both physically and mentally.  Newbill’s nearly 36 minutes per game, all while running the point, seem to be taking a toll on his burst, and leading scorer Jermaine Marshall does not have the consistent burst we saw earlier this year.  It is tough to imagine the now 0-7 Big 10 start not weighing on players and coaches alike mentally too.

Things do not get easier as Penn State plays host to #14 Ohio State on Saturday at noon in the Jordan Center.  The game will air on BTN, and is PSU’s annual Coaches vs. Cancer showcase.

Follow VBR Lead Editor Matt de Bear on Twitter for all the latest on Penn State

THE LAST TIME OUT

Things went from worse to…much worse, this past Saturday in Penn State’s 68-64 home loss to Nebraska.  The Cornhuskers entered the game winless in the league as well, but the Lions were not able to overcome late foul shooting difficulties (1 for 6 down the stretch).  PSU was not able to do much better with their shooting from the field, which I probably don’t even need to write anymore.  The damage on this day was just 38.6% from the floor, 25% from three, and 15 of 24 from the line.  Conversely, Nebraska was 47.1%, and a perfect 16 for 16 from the charity stripe.  Combo guard Shavon Shields paced a career high 29 points on 10 of 11 shooting, and 8 for 8 from the foul line.  Jermaine Marshall lead PSU with 18 points.

ABOUT THE HOOSIERS

When Indiana visited Happy Valley a couple of weeks back, they were at or near the top of the charts in every major offensive category.  Not much as changed since this.  IU is 2nd in points per game (84.4%), 5th in field goal percentage (.502) and 21st in assists (16.1 per game).  The Hoosiers have dropped another game since then, a 64-59 decision against somewhat surprising Wisconsin.  The potent offense still forces a defense to pick a poison, with Cody Zeller dominating inside, and a cadre of big time perimeter players that can kill any team from behind the arc.  In the first meeting, Indiana was lead by Christian Watford’s 16, but 4 players scored in double figures.

THE MATCHUP

The good news is PSU should remember the Hoosiers well, having faced them just 16 days ago.  The bad news is, well, it won’t matter.  Indiana is a tough match up for pretty much anyone on their schedule, even moreso when they get the Assembly Hall crowd on their side.  They could have easily run away with the game in the 2nd half at Penn State, but an all around sloppy effort kept the score at the “slim” 23 point margin.  I wouldn’t expect such a favor in Bloomington.  PSU’s only hope to keep things close is to control the tempo, and hope that Indiana has an off night shooting.  I doubt either happens, and I doubt PSU keeps it within 25.

Follow VBR Lead Editor Matt de Bear on Twitter for the latest on Penn State!

After Indiana went up 2-0, the Lions would run a designed play to set up an alley-oop for D.J. Newbill, but the pass was just off, and the Lions turned it over to Indiana.  It was that kind of night for PSU, who actually took a 3-2 lead on a Brandon Taylor three.  The Hoosiers would counter with a 13-0 run, and never looked back.  After Indiana extended the lead to 18, the Lions did fight back to within 11, but the Hoosiers quickly responded to lead by 17 at halftime. A sloppy second half, where IU committed many of their 17 turnovers, kept this game from getting even more out of hand, but Penn State never was a threat to get back into it.

Christian Watford lead Indiana with 16 points and 8 rebounds.  Cody Zeller added 15, Jordan Hulls had 14, and Victor Oladipo put in 10.  The nation’s top offensive team shot over 52% from the field, including 50% from behind the 3 point arc.  PSU was lead by sophomore Ross Travis with 14 points, but the forward was just 6/17 from the field. Jermaine Marshall was Penn State’s only consistent offensive threat with 11 points on 5/11 shooting.  Newbill only added 8 on 3/15 shooting. As a team, PSU shot 31%.

Penn State is back in action at home on Thursday night against Northwestern, as both teams look to pick up their first conference win of the season.  That game tips at 8:00 on ESPNU.

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THE LAST TIME OUT

Penn State faced Wisconsin in their Big 10 opener Thursday night in the Kohl Center, a building Penn State has never won in.  Penn State got off to a slow start, but hung with Wisconsin through the first 10 minutes, until the Badgers went on a run to end the 1st half 29-18.  Wisconsin controlled much of the 2nd half, leading by as much as 13, until Penn State went on a run that ultimately closed it to a 50-49 deficit with 3 minutes to play, but would not get any closer, as the Badgers closed the game on a 10-2 run to win 60-51.  Jermaine Marshall lead Penn State with 19 points, and D.J. Newbill added 12, including 2 thunderous dunks, one of which made ESPN’s Top 10.  The Badgers shot 26 free throws, to Penn State’s 1.

ABOUT THE HOOSIERS

Dec 21, 2012; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Cody Zeller (40) drives to the basket against the Florida Atlantic Owls during the second half at Assembly Hall. Indiana won 88-52. Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana opened the season as the top ranked team in the country, and has looked like a legit national title contender.  The lone blemish on their 13-1 record is an 88-86 loss to now #17 Butler.  The Hoosiers have been an offensive juggernaut, ranking #1 nationally in points per game (87.9), 7th in field goal percentage (51%) and 11th in assists per game (17.5).  They are lead by Player of the Year candidate Cody Zeller, who averages over 16 points and 8 rebounds per game.  He is one of 5 Hoosiers that average in double figures, the others being Victor Oladipo, Christian Watford, Will Sheehy, and Jordan Hulls.  As a team, IU is shooting over 41% from beyond the 3-point arc, and 11th nationally with 41 rebounds per game.

THE MATCHUP

If not for the upset loss to Butler, Penn State would be hosting the top ranked team in the country, and there wouldn’t be much argument about it.  Tom Crean has the Hoosiers playing at an extremely high level in his 5th season on the bench, one that poses matchup problems to most teams in the country, but especially a Penn State team still finding itself.  PSU’s defensive performance on Thursday against Wisconsin was a step in the right direction, but Indiana’s shooters are going to challenge the Lions in a way they have not seen all season.  And if that’s not enough, a potential top 5 NBA pick is inside with Zeller.  Penn State needs to control the tempo and make shots to stay in this game.  I expect Oladipo, Sheehy, and Watford to find their jump shot early, making it a long night for PSU.

Follow VBR Lead Editor Matt de Bear on Twitter for all the latest on Penn State

-During the pregame show, I was appalled at how empty the student section was. I knew a lot of students weren’t going to be there, but what I saw right before kickoff was embarrassing. Students who went home early just because they could and missed the game have to realize how much this team means to Penn State and how special these young men are. But people did start showing up throughout the first quarter and the student section eventually looked respectable.

-Allen Robinson is just an absolute beast (and he’s just a sophomore). He’s a playmaker with killer instincts that recent Penn State offenses have lacked. Two of his three touchdowns occurred right in front of where I was standing: 1) the screen where he broke a bunch of tackles and ran, and 2) the crazy one-handed catch that he was interfered on. My friends and I just stood there in awe when that second one happened. It was absolutely phenomenal.

-Some random older Penn State fan stood next to me for a little during the second half. I don’t know if he was an alumni or just a fan, but he was yelling and was into the game a lot. I love seeing non-students get fired up during games, so I enjoyed his company.

-After Indiana scored that long touchdown and recovered the onside kick, all Penn State fans probably thought the same thing: another third quarter collapse is on the way. Thankfully, Penn State regained their poise, scored a couple touchdowns and eventually put the game away.

-The last thing I want to talk about is unfortunately a very unhappy thing. That would be Michael Mauti’s injury. Words can’t describe what this man has meant to this team, this program, this university and to Penn Staters around the world. His leadership on and off the field has been beyond incredible and he embodies what Penn State is all about. I’m not going to lie, when Michael Zordich went over to check on Mauti when he was getting carted away, it made me tear up a bit. Those two played a huge role in keeping this team together through everything. Let’s all hope Mauti recovers and can play football again because he, more than anyone else, deserves to.

I can’t believe there’s only one more game left. It seems like Ohio was just a couple weeks ago. Anyway, Senior Day should be a very special one because it’s for a very special senior class. I don’t need to explain what this senior class has meant to Penn State. I just really, really hope a lot of people attend because that’s the least they deserve. Hopefully the Nittany Lions can end the season on a high note by beating Wisconsin and send these seniors out the right way.

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So…Michael Mauti took what appears to be a dirty, uncalled chop block and was carted off. The silence here at Beaver Stadium was insane. As the press box realized who was down on the field, you could hear the same “awwwww noooo” being muttered by the non-cheering media. The air went out of the crowd and the team but it has come back a bit. This is a team with tremendous leadership and these guys realize there is still a game to be played. On the bright side, Mike Hull is a more-than-capable replacement for Mauti.

Penn State’s power running game is working for the most part. Zwinak had 47 yards in the first quarter, 43 more in the 2nd and has been close to breaking a couple big runs. Also, nice touchdown “catch.”

Allen Robinson has already had a big day with 6 catches, 103 yards and 3 first half touchdowns.  And he may not be done.

The offense seems to be missing Kyle Carter but the big gain by James helped to offset that.

The offensive line has been losing the battle in the trenches. Indiana seems to be getting pressure much more often than I had expected.

On defense, Indiana is going ultra-hurry-up at times. They aren’t afraid to go with a short passing game out of it, but they’re looking to catch the safeties off guard.

The secondary misses Willis.

Hodges has their back.

When Indiana does try to go long, Hill, Barnes and the crew are getting pressure. Hill drilled Coffman after a throw in the 2nd.

In the second half, look for Penn State to crank up the pressure as Indiana’s running game has been non-existent.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

Penn State, while ineligible for post-season play, also has something to play for in Saturday’s contest; they are one win shy of clinching a winning season in coach O’Brien’s first year.  While many Penn State fans may find a winning season to simply be unacceptable, I feel that with all that the current team has been through, a winning season is truly remarkable!  In fact, Joe Paterno didn’t even enjoy a winning season his first year (1966: 5-5).

Penn State and Indiana haven’t exactly shared a storied tradition that other Big Ten teams like Ohio State, Michigan, or even Nebraska have shared with Penn State.  In fact, the Nittany Lions have never lost to the Hoosiers (0-15) since joining the Big Ten in 1993.  While the series may be one-sided, many of the games have held their intrigue until the final few moments.  Arguably the most important Penn State win of the early 2000′s took place at Indiana in 2004.  Tom Bradley’s defense came up with an epic goal line stand to preserve a 22-18 win.  That game coupled with a win over Michigan State the following week helped propel the Lions the Orange Bowl the following season.

Make no mistake, the Hoosiers are no pushovers!  They have talent at nearly every skill position on both sides of the ball.  On offense, the leader of the group is sophomore quarterback Cameron Coffman.  He came off the bench to replace the injured Tre Roberson is week #2.  Since then Coffman has shown the rest of the conference what kind of talent he is in Bloomington.  The Hoosiers rushing attack is spearheaded by Stephen Houston who has over 580 yards rushing and 9 scores on the season.  On the outside, Indiana possesses some skilled receivers.  Player like Cody Latimer, Shane Wynn, and Kofi Hughes, not to mention All-Big Ten TE candidate Ted Bolser.  On the year, those four have combines for nearly 150 catches, over 2,000 yards receiving, and 16 TDs.  With numbers like those, it’s little wonder why Indiana leads the Big Ten in passing offense!

On defense, the Hoosiers strength is up the defensive middle.  On the defensive line they are led by senior DT Adam Replogle.  If the name rings a bell, that’s because his brother Tyler (2010 graduate) was a stand-out linebacker for the Hoosiers.  Alongside Replogle is fellow DT Larry Black, Jr.  On the season, both have combined for 7.5 sacks and 18.0 tackles for loss.  At the linebacker spot, Indiana has features a player that ranks in the top 16 of the Big Ten in tackles.  Sophomore David Cooper has 71 tackles on the season.  Look out for him flying around Saturday afternoon.  In the defensive secondary, Indiana’s two free safeties, junior Greg Heban and sophomore Mark Murphy, are very good at tackling.  Heban is the leading tackler for the Hoosiers (71) and leads the Big Ten in tackles for defensive backs, while Murphy has added 59 tackles of his own.

Penn State will certainly have their hands full when the Hoosiers come to Happy Valley this weekend.  They can not take this team for granted or they will rue the day!  In order for the Nittany Lions to come out this game victorious, continue reading to find out my keys to the game.

“Hoosiers?”

Who names their team after a Gene Hackman movie??? Where’s the logic? Sure, “The Ohio State Enemy of the State” would kind of make sense, but the Indiana Hoosiers? What is that?

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It’s impossible for Penn State to lose.

Much like a Tim Donaghey reffed NBA game, you can put this one in the books before it starts. Indiana has never beat the Nittany Lions. Now, I’m no mathematician but I’m pretty sure that’s proof that it can’t be done. Why risk injury for both teams over a game with pre-determined results? Is Vince McMahon behind this???

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Indiana is a basketball school.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but this is a football conference. Being historically good at basketball or whatever just to be different doesn’t make you cool. It makes you bad at football.

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Bobby Knight

I’m just kidding. Who doesn’t love Bobby Knight? Well, the numerous kids that he physically abused  may not…but I find him entertaining.

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Antwaan Randle El

The all time leader in passing yards at Indiana is Antwaan Randle El- A WIDE RECEIVER! Ha!

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Indiana’s official team colors are “Crimson and Cream.”

Did somebody really need a fancy way to say “red and white?” Was that necessary? The only thing crimson in college football is the Tide and Indiana couldn’t be further from that. Roll Tide.

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IUPUI

Indiana claims that Purdue is their biggest rival. Yet they joined them to form “Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. All in the name of what? Education? You’d never see the big boys in the SEC do that! I promise there will never be an Alabama – Auburn at Birmingham University just to get a couple of kids silly educations! Roll Tide.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

(4) Predictions.

Mary Clarke:

This game will be the first home game I won’t be able to see in person this year – thanks to Penn State’s early Thanksgiving Break – so hopefully I’ll wake up in time for the noon start the Nittany Lions have against Indiana. The Hoosiers are one of the weaker teams Penn State has faced this season, with Indiana coming off a horrendous 62-14 loss to Wisconsin. The Nittany Lions will be without breakout tight end Kyle Carter, as he is out for the rest of the season with a wrist dislocation.  However, look for the rest of the tight end corps – led by Matt Lehman – to pick up the slack and contribute heavily over the next few weeks. In this weekend’s game, expect Penn State to come out firing on all cylinders – on offense and defense – in an attempt to shake off last weekend’s heartbreaking loss against Nebraska. I also don’t expect any officiating controversy in this game either, thankfully.

PSU: 33
IU: 10 

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Indiana University 

Bloomington, Indiana

Head Coach: Kevin Wilson (5-17 career)

2011 Record: 1-11

2012 Record: 4-6

Key Players: 

QB #2 Cameron Coffman: After taking over in week two, Coffman has thrown for at least 200 yards in 5 of the 7 games he has seen significant snaps in. He is completing 63% of his passes with 12 TDs  and 6 Ints. Coffman should surpass the 2,000 yard mark this weekend.

WR #1 Shane Wynn: Leads IU with 51 catches but only averages 9.1 yards per catch. Wynn has had at least 6 catches in 4 games, including a 12 catch, 70 yard performance against Michigan State.

WR #3 Cody Latimer: Maybe the biggest offensive threat the Hoosier’s possess, Latimer averages 16.1 yards on his 44 catches. Latimer has had at least 60 yards receiving in 7 contests this year. However, his touchdowns have all came in two games with 3 against Iowa and 2 against Ball State.

SUMMARY:

Facing the worst run defense in the Big Ten, expect to see a heavy dose of Z28, Zordich and maybe, just maybe, Bill Belton. Indiana is averaging over 31 points per game and nearly 300 yards passing in each contest. The Nittany Lion defense, particularly the passing D, will have to be on their game this weekend because if they aren’t, the Hoosiers will look to capitalize.

Because Indiana isn’t a strong running team (86th in the country), look for Ted Roof to count on his front four to stop the run while focusing his linebackers more on the pass. It will be interesting to see how the blitz-happy Roof balances his linebackers between coverage and rushing the passer. The nickel defense has all but disappeared since Northwestern but it may be needed again this week. Keep an eye out for true freshman DaQuan Davis at CB. With safety Malcolm Willis potentially out, Adrian Amos may see snaps at safety, forcing Davis back into action. Indiana will be looking for him matched up against their play-making wideouts in man coverage.

Fun Facts:

• Indiana has 4 players with at least 35 catches in 2012.
• Penn State has never lost to Indiana
• The Hoosiers have scored at least 24 points in every contest except last week, in a loss to Wisconsin.
• If Indiana can win-out, they’ll become bowl eligible. They have been to just one bowl game since 1993.
• Penn State has won the last 4 contests by an average of over 16 points per game, but won last year by just 6 points. 16-10.
• Indiana is averaging over 430 yards of offense per game, 80 yards per game more than 2011.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.