Preview: #13/14 Penn State (5-1, 1-1) vs. Minnesota (4-2, 2-1)

October 15, 1:27 AMPenn State Nittany Lions Football ExaminerKevin McGuire

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Evan Royster could have a big day on the ground against the Gophers.
(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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What to Know

• WHEN: October 17, 2009
  WHERE: Beaver Stadium (107,282)
  KICKOFF: 3:30 pm EST
  TV: ABC (regionally), ESPN
  RADIO: PSU Sports Network (over 60 stations)
  WEB STREAM: www.GoPSUSports.com
• Series: Penn State leads 6-4
• Last meeting: Penn State 28, Minnesota 27
  (2005, OT)
• Last Week: PSU 52, Eastern Illinois 3
  Minnesota 35, Purdue 20
• Game notes: PSU | Minnesota
  
• 2009 Penn State preview: Minnesota
• Blue White Round Table
  
• Big Ten Examiner Round Table
  
• Examiner Top 25
• Weather Forecast
   

Penn State (5-1, 1-1 Big Ten) returns to conference play this week after throttling overmatched Eastern Illinois last week. Making their first trip to Beaver Stadiums since 2005 will be Minnesota (4-2, 2-1). This is the first meeting between the two schools since 2006 and Penn State currently owns a two game winning streak in the series.

There is still some question as to whether or not the Nittany Lions will see linebacker Sean Lee get any playing time. Lee has been sidelined for the past three games with a sprained left knee. The defensive leader and co-captain of the team is listed as probable for this weekend's game and if I had to venture a guess I would say that the chances of seeing Lee play are not favorable. The main reason why Lee should not play is because State College is supposed to be receiving some unfavorable playing conditions on Saturday with some rain moving in. The expected high for State College on Saturday is just 36 degrees with a chance of rain or snow showers according to The Weather Channel. Penn State should still have Navorro Bowman at their expense though so the linebacker position will not be completely depleted.

The defense will likely need to elevate the game on Saturday in the passing game as Minnesota has one of the best wide receivers in the Big Ten, and perhaps the nation, in Eric Decker. Decker enters this weekend's game with five touchdowns and is by far the leading receiver on the Golden Gophers. The Penn State secondary did a decent job of containing Arrelious Benn of Illinois two weeks ago and they will need to execute a similar game plan against Decker. If Penn State can keep Decker form becoming a game changer then the Nittany Lions should be in good shape for a victory as Minnesota has few weapons they can rely on after Decker.

Minnesota quarterback Adam Weber has the tools to be a top quarterback in the Big Ten but he has shown a tendency to make some poor decisions with the ball when under pressure. Weber can still be dangerous at any given time, especially with a go-to guy like Decker.

Penn State will look to maintain their momentum in the running game. Evan Royster was well on his way to a second straight 100+ yard day on the ground but he saw his touches reduced in the expected blow out of Eastern Illinois. Will Royster see the same kind of run blocking he has seen the previous two weeks from his offensive line? Early signs seem to indicate yes. Minnesota has had one of the worst all around defenses in the Big Ten this season. In the third game of the season Minnesota just how vulnerable they were in defense against the run when California's Jahvid Best put on an exhibition on the ground. Best scored five touchdowns against the Golden Gophers, single handedly giving Minnesota their first loss of the season.

Daryll Clark will also hope for some solid protection up front. Last week Clark threw for 234 yards and three touchdowns and also chipped in with a rushing touchdown. Clark has been responsible for six touchdowns in Penn State's last two games.

This week's game marks the beginning of the second half of the season for Penn State. In the coming weeks we will learn a lot about this team's character and their chances to come away with a Big Ten title. After this home game against Minnesota Penn State heads on the road to take on Michigan, a place that has been a nightmare for Penn State over the past decade. After a road game against Northwestern Penn State comes home to take on Ohio State in the Big Ten's premiere game of the season. These next four games could make or break the fortunes for a BCS appearance of some sort, whether by winning the Big Ten or qualifying as a BCS at large.

Penn State enters this game ranked #13 in the USA Today coaches poll and #14 in the AP poll. Minnesota is unranked. This Sunday the first BCS rankings will be unveiled.

For my video analysis and official prediction, watch the video below...

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