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#14 Penn State flattens Michigan State 42-14, is BCS calling?
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Penn State's defense set the tone, and the offense exploded in the second half for the win. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
EAST LANSING, MI - If the BCS were decided by the events that unfolded this weekend, Penn State (10-2, 6-2 Big Ten) would be heading to a big bowl game before Iowa or Oklahoma State. The Nittany Lions jumped all over Michigan State (6-6, 4-4) in the third quarter to run away with a regular season ending victory, winning by the score of 42-14.
After a scoreless first quarter Penn State struck first in the second quarter. Daryll Clark connected with tight end Andrew Quarless down the left sideline. Quarless was wide open in the secondary and ran about 15 yards for the touchdown. It would be the first of two for the senior tight end, and the first of four for Clark. With two minutes to play before halftime Michigan State took advantage of some poor coverage from Penn State, and a couple nice catches, to respond with their own touchdown. Quarterback Kirk Cousins found Charlie Gantt for the game tying touchdown as the game went to halftime tied at seven.
But if a football game can be won with halftime adjustments, Joe Paterno and his staff made all of the right moves.
Penn State struck quickly as a trick play put Penn State back on top. An option to freshman Curtis Drake was called near the end-zone, and Drake found Quarless for the tight end's second touchdown of the game. Quarless made an incredible catch on the play and remarkably came down with the ball to put Penn State up 14-7. The rout was on.
On the next Penn State possession Clark found a wide open Joe Suhey, who dashed for the end-zone on a 30 yard strike. The play was reviewed before the extra point but Suhey kept his feet in play and the touchdown was confirmed to put Penn State up 21-7. Before the third quarter was over Clark would connect with wide receiver Graham Zug for a pair of touchdowns. At the end of the third quarter Penn State was in firm control of the game, up 35-7.
Penn State and Michigan State would each score a touchdown in the final quarter as the game was never in doubt. Paterno utilized the healthy lead to give his younger players some playing time in the regular season finale, as freshman quarterback Kevin Newsome added a sneak for a touchdown to finish up Penn State's scoring. A 71 yard pass from Michigan State's Cousins to wide receiver Keshawn Martin was the final score of the game as Penn State finished with a 42-14 victory.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Playing in his last regular season game, Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark threw for four touchdowns and 310 yards. In the process Clark broke two passing records at Penn State. Clark eclipsed Kerry Collins for most passing yards in one season. Collins set the record with 2,679 passing yards in 1994. Clark ends the regular season with 2,844 passing yards. Clark also passed Todd Blackledge for most passing touchdowns in one season. Blackledge threw for 22 in 1982 and Clark finished the regular season with 23.
Clark also failed to turn the ball over. His play in the first half had some stressful moments, but he prevailed in the second half. It is the third time this season Clark has thrown for over 300 yards.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Only time will tell for sure. With the season now over for Penn State the fate now rests in the hands of the BCS committee. Penn State may not have the kind of resume that would make them attractive for the BCS, but there is no doubting the kind of money the Nittany Lions would bring to any bowl game.
WHAT'S NEXT?
While Penn State completes their regular season, there is plenty of college football to be played around the nation. Penn State could be helped by a few teams falling in the right spots to bump their ranking a bit.
Michigan State's season also comes to an end. At 6-6 the Spartans are still set up for a bowl game, especially if two Big Ten teams reach the BCS. Ohio State is locked into the Rose Bowl and now Iowa and Penn State have a shot at playing in the Orange Bowl or Fiesta Bowl.
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