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Penn State Football: Keys to the Game vs Rutgers

By Corey Hunter

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 Key No. 2 – Who Are You?

Sep 17, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive linesmen Connor McGovern (66) blocks during the third quarter against the Temple Owls at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Temple 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Sep 17, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive linesmen Connor McGovern (66) blocks during the third quarter against the Temple Owls at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Temple 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports /

Perhaps the opening is a bit facetious, but it may not be off the mark.  The Nittany Lions offensive line is a MASH unit.  By my count, this Saturday night will mark the fourth different starting offensive line that coach Matt Limegrover has employed.

This was the starting offensive line game 1 against Kent State:

  • LT – Brendan Mahon
  • LG – Ryan Bates
  • C – Brian Gaia
  • RG – Derek Dowrey
  • RT – Andrew Nelson

The emergence of Connor McGovern pushed Derek Dowrey to a reserve position prior to the Minnesota contest.  As a result, the offensive line shaped up like this:

  • LT – Brendan Mahon
  • LG – Ryan Bates
  • C – Brian Gaia
  • RG – Connor McGovern
  • RT – Andrew Nelson

A season-ending injury in the Maryland game for Andrew Nelson forced Brendan Mahon to slide to RT.  Paris Palmer then filled in for Mahon at LT.

  • LT – Paris Palmer
  • LG – Ryan Bates
  • C – Brian Gaia
  • RG – Connor McGovern
  • RT – Brendan Mahon

Last week versus Indiana the Lions scrambled to fill offensive lines holes after Palmer went down with a season-ending leg injury and McGovern left with an undisclosed injury.  McGovern returned to practice this week.  All indications are that he will be able to play.  Even still, the offensive line for Saturday night is shaping up to be a who’s who of the Lions depth chart.

  • LT – Ryan Bates
  • LG – Steven Gonzalez
  • C – Brian Gaia
  • RG – Connor McGovern
  • RT – Chasz Wright

The one constant has been center Brian Gaia.  The red shirt senior has been the glue that has held the line in tact.  His steady guidance and leadership has steered the Lions offensive line through some murky waters this season.  More will be expected if the Lions are to indeed run the table.

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