Indiana University Bloomington vs Penn State University Park >> Nittany Lions Look to Rebound against Indiana
Written by Mark Eddinger - November 12, 2009

The No. 18 Penn State Nittany Lions most likely saw a chance at the Big Ten Title slip out of reach last week with a home loss to Ohio State and will now try to rebound with a win against the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday at noon in Beaver Stadium. It will be senior day for 17 Penn State players.

The Nittany Lions have never lost to the Hoosiers; they are a perfect 12-0 all-time.

Penn State (8-2, 4-2) had their worst offensive performance of the year last week against Ohio State but should see a return to form with Indiana’s defense. The Hoosiers allow more than 160 yards per game on the ground and over 250 yards through the air.

Evan Royster needs 105 yards of rushing to surpass 1,000 yards on the season. Will he be able to get it, or will he have to wait until next week?

Darryl Clark threw an interception last week after possessing the ball nicely in previous weeks. Will Clark be able to return to form?

Derek Moye was shut out as far as receptions go against the Buckeyes, so will he be able to right the ship as well?

Those are questions the offense will have to answer if they want to get their season back on track and compete for a New Year’s Day bowl game.

The defense gave up a big pass play last week and now will have to contain Ben Chappell, who has thrown for 2,377 yards this season for Indiana (4-6, 1-5). His favorite target is Tandon Doss, who has 65 receptions for 843 yards and four touchdowns.

Darius Willis is the Hoosiers number one running back, and he saw Ohio State have success against the very good Penn State rush defense last week. Will Willis be able to have the same luck?

Another major point Penn State will be focusing on is their special teams play. Last week the punt coverage was not up to par and was a big factor in Ohio State getting momentum.

Will the Hoosiers ruin senior day for Clark, Sean Lee, Jared Ordick and others or will the Nittany Lions finish their home slate on a high note? Tune in Saturday to find out.