Gameday Coverage: Penn State vs. Minnesota
Good morning from Minnesota where the Penn State Nittany Lions (5-3, 2-2) are set to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-2, 3-2) this afternoon. Penn State enters the game coming off of a 24-17 overtime victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini last Saturday at home as Bill Belton rushed for 201 yards and Christian Hackenberg connected with Kyle Carter on the go-ahead touchdown.
Minnesota opened its season with four straight wins in the non-conference schedule before losing to Iowa and then No. 19-ranked Michigan to open the Big Ten slate. The Gophers went on to beat Northwestern, then No. 24-ranked Nebraska, and Indiana before heading into today’s matchup against the Nittany Lion.
Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill is currently on a leave of absence from his duties as he is working to manage his epilepsy. Interim coach Tracy Claeys is filling in for Kill and has won his four games at the helm. Bill O’Brien is set to face the Gophers for the first time as Penn State’s head coach.
Below is all of the media information and coverage for today:
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m.
Television: ESPN2 — Beth Mowins, Joey Galloway, and Paul Carcaterra
Radio: Penn State Sports Network — Steve Jones (Play-by-play), Jack Ham (Analyst), Joe Putnam (Sideline reporter)
Weather: 41 degrees, Partly Cloudy, no chance of rain, 60% humidity.
Last Time They Met: Penn State last faced Minnesota in 2010 with Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden combining for three touchdown passes in a 33-21 victory on the road. McGloin had his first career completion in the game after Bolden went down with an injury. That first completion was a 42-yard touchdown pass to Derek Moye. D’Anton Lynn led the defense with a career-high ten tackles and a clutch interception.
Injuries: Ben Kline is nursing a shoulder injury but will play against Minnesota. Ryan Keiser’s hand is healing well and he will play as well. Akeel Lynch is listed as possible with an MCL sprain suffered against Ohio State.
Gophers wide receiver Derrick Engel and quarterback Philip Nelson are both listed as probable with an ankle injury and a hip injury respectively. Receiver Jamel Harbison is doubtful with an undisclosed ailment while fullback Mike Henry and running back Rodrick Williams Jr. are questioable. Henry’s injury is undisclosed and Williams is dealing with a foot injury.
Media Coverage: @OnwardState will have live tweets and Facebook updates throughout the game and Zach Berger (@theZachBerger) will be providing coverage. StateCollege.com reporter Ben Jones (@Ben_Jones88) will also be covering the matchup.
A recap of coverage from both outlets throughout the week can be found below:
Onward State:
Allen Robinson: Should He Stay Or Should He Go?
Penn State Looks for Upset Win on the Road Against Minnesota
Staff Predictions: Penn State vs. Minnesota
Bill Belton: Overcoming The Odds On and Off the Field
What Goes Into Creating the S-Zone?
John Urschel Named Finalist for Senior CLASS Award
Five Keys To Beating Minnesota On Saturday
O’Brien Praises Minnesota Ahead Of Saturday Matchup
Bill Belton and Christian Hackenberg Receive Player of the Week Honors
Penn State-Purdue Football Game Slated for Noon Kickoff
Game Day Observations: Illinois
Penn State Shaky In 24-17 Overtime Win Against Illinois
StateCollege.com:
Five Keys To Beating Minnesota
O’Brien Talks About the Uniqueness Of Recruiting
Penn State Football’s Wild 4-Game, 22-Day Ride and Recruiting Reboot
Is Allen Robinson On Track To Be The Best Penn State Receiver Ever?
Passing Still A Threat As Nittany Lions Take On Run-Happy Gophers
Akeel Lynch Recovering From MCL Sprain
Time Is Of The Essence Against Minnesota
Bill Belton Named Co-Big Ten Offensive Player Of The Week
Penn State Football’s Cupboard is 58.2% Full: Yeah, But…
Handing Out The Grades Following Penn State’s 24-17 Win Over Illinois
For Kyle Carter, Penn State’s Win Was A Personal Victory Too
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