Penn State stunned by Iowa again

The Penn State Nittany Lions thought they were finally going to get their revenge against the Iowa Hawkeyes.

It turns out, the joke is on Penn State.

The Hawkeyes overcame an early deficit and put forth a strong defensive effort en route to the 20-10 upset of the Nittany Lions.

The loss, much like last year, is devastating for Penn State and their hopes of a national championship.

In fact, this year’s loss might even be worse considering that Penn State had homefield advantage.

Monday, September 28, 2009 at 8:47 pm by steve

Penn State rolls past Temple, 31-6

The Penn State Nittany Lions continued their early season dominance with a 31-6 victory over the Temple Owls.

Like the previous games this year, Penn State was always in control but never really put their foot on their opponent’s throat.

Instead, it was a slow, methodical beating. The Nittany Lions took a 21-3 lead into the locker room and cruised from there.

Quarterback Daryll Clark and running back Evan Royster once again led the way for the offensive unit, while the defense was stingy like usual.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 9:05 pm by steve

Penn State handles Temple

Despite several players dealing with flu-like symptoms this week, the Penn State Nittany Lions had no problem dispatching of the visiting Temple Owls, winning 31-6. Standout running back Evan Royster ran for 119 of his 134 yards in the first half to lead the Nittany Lions.

Quarterback Daryll Clark threw two touchdowns on 16 of 26 passing, but he wasn’t as sharp as usual against a weak Temple defense coming off a loss to FBS Subdivision opponent Villanova two weeks ago. Still, with Royster shouldering the load offensively, Clark’s struggles were of no consequence.

A “C” effort against Iowa next week (which derailed Penn State’s national title hopes a year ago) or at Illinois the week after might not be good enough. Three straight mediocre performances against lesser opponents should be a reason for concern for Joe Paterno this week.

Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 4:59 pm by Raj Sethi

Penn State rolls past Syracuse, 28-7

The Penn State Nittany Lions moved to 2-0 on the young season with a 28-7 victory over the Syracuse Orange.

Penn State scored a touchdown in each of the four quarters while not allowing a score until the final period.

Quarterback Daryll Clark and running back Evan Royster continue to lead the offensive attack for Penn State, which is pretty balanced on that side of the ball.

It was a dominating defensive effort against a rebuilding program led by a former college basketball point guard.

Penn State has yet to face a real test this year, but the Big 10 schedule looms just around the corner.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 6:54 pm by steve

Penn State rolls past Akron, 31-7

The Penn State Nittany Lions proved they are a serious Big 10 contender with a 31-7 pasting of Akron.

Akron is a small school from a mid-major conference, but they are no cupcake.

Nonetheless, Penn State put 31 points up on the scoreboard in the first half before calling off the dogs and cruising to the finish line.

Quarterback Daryll Clarke threw for 353 yards, three touchdowns and just one interception despite a receiver corps that is depleted after last year’s graduations.

Running back Evan Royster ran 14 times for 61 yards and a touchdown and should add balance to the offense.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 5:32 pm by steve