Michael Mauti injury: Penn State star out against Wisconsin

Penn State senior linebacker Michael Mauti will miss the final game of his collegiate career due to a knee injury.

Mauti was injured during the first quarter of the Nittany Lions game against Indiana and will not play on senior night against Wisconsin. Mauti, who is a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, was carted off the field against Indiana. According to a report from ESPN.com, Mauti said he wasn't sure of the severity of the injury, but was currently focused on helping his teammates prepare to face Wisconsin.

His absence will be a big loss for Penn State. Mauiti finished the season with 95 tackles, three interceptions and three forced fumbles. Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien called Mauiti one of the most special players he's ever been around.

Mauti said he has received hundreds of messages from fans and said the support means a lot. He played in 39 games for Penn State, including 22 starts.