Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/91066
ADVANTAGE? PURDUE PASSING GAME VS. PENN STATE PASS DEFENSE MATCHUP PREVIEW: Purdue vs. Penn State PLAYER TO WATCH Well, Robert Marve gets his chance now, so it will be interesting to see what happens. Penn State's pass rush is fierce and its defense in general is strong. Purdue's receivers have been dropping passes and struggling to get open. Marve has thrived in comeback mode at times this season with Purdue playing from behind. We'll see how Purdue plays it right from the out- set, but this is a difficult matchup. PURDUE RUNNING GAME VS. PENN STATE RUN DEFENSE Purdue had success, as it should have, running the ball against Minnesota, but had to throw it more than it otherwise might have because of the score. This is a more difficult challenge, against a Nittany Lion front seven with a strong defensive line and elite linebackers. It won't be easy. PENN STATE PASSING GAME VS. PURDUE PASS DEFENSE Purdue was flayed by the pass at Minnesota. Now comes the Big Ten's most precise passing offense, with the league's best passing quarterback, the league's most productive receiver, and a pair of tight ends who must be accounted for at all times. Purdue has to get a pass rush. It. Has. To. PENN STATE RUNNING GAME VS. PURDUE RUN DEFENSE Penn State's offense is a passing offense, first, second and third. Had Silas Redd stuck around, maybe that would be different. But the Nittany Lions throw to set up the run, so unless the passing game completely throws Purdue off-balance — which it might — then the Boilermak- ers should be able to stack up in this phase of the game provided it shows up at the line of scrimmage. SPECIAL TEAMS The kicking game is Penn State's weakness. Purdue's had its flaws, too, but the Nittany Lions have really struggled, both in placekicking and punting. The Lions are the Big Ten's worst punt- ing team. 17 BOILERS PREDICTION Last weekend's loss to Ohio State aside, Penn State has been very good this season since its 0-2 start. It plays tough, solid football and doesn't beat itself. Its passing game is the best Purdue's seen and turnovers will be hard for the Boilermaker defense to come by. We'll see what Marve starting does for the offense. It will have to be a lot. Touchdowns are going to be hard to come by against a defense that only gives up 18 points per game. They might need some kicks from Sam McCartney. NITTANY LIONS 28 GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 23, EXPRESS 9 • 11 Purdue needs Kawann Short to play — he has a bad ankle — but more than anything, Purdue needs him to play better. The Boilermakers just need more out of their best defensive player and their D-line in general. The most improved player in the Big Ten, Lion quarter- back Matt McGloin, is enjoying a dream season. Don't expect him to make many mistakes or miss many oppor- tunities. Running between the tackles is going to be tough sled- ding, as Danny Hope likes to say. Can Purdue get its fast- est back, Akeem Hunt, in the open field? What's Purdue got to lose? May as well go down swing- ing. Robert Marve gives the Boilermakers their best chance to wing it around and maybe make a couple big plays. ADVANTAGE?