SB Nation Pittsburgh - Nebraska Vs. Penn State: Nittany Lions Rally Falls Short, Fall 17-14https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48827/pitt-fv.png2011-11-15T07:00:43-05:00http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/rss/stream/23205842011-11-15T07:00:43-05:002011-11-15T07:00:43-05:00Penn State Grades Vs. Nebraska
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<p>Who played well against the Cornhuskers, and who still has some work to do?</p> <p>Penn State fell to 8-2 on the season and 5-1 in the Big Ten Leaders Division on Saturday with a 17-14 loss against Nebraska at Beaver Stadium. Today, we take a look at who played well and who has some work to do as the Nittany Lions prepare to travel to Ohio State this weekend.</p>
<p><b>Quarterbacks: </b>With Tom Bradley in charge, Matthew McGloin played the entire game and appears, finally, to have put the clamps on the starting job. Saturday was hardly his best performance, however, as he completed just 16 of 34 passes for 193 yards and no touchdowns. His decision-making was particularly poor on Penn State's final drive, too, as his completions stayed in bounds and kept the clock running, snuffing any chance the Lions had of winning. <b>Grade: C-<br></b></p>
<p><b>Backs: </b>Silas Redd was held under 100 yards for the first time in Big Ten play on Saturday after hurting his shoulder in the first half. Stephfon Green led the team with 71 yards on 17 carries, and Brandon Beachum chipped in with 36 yards on seven carries. In total, Penn State finished with 166 yards on 43 carries, good for just a 3.9 yard per carry average. We've seen more. <b>Grade: C<br></b></p>
<p><b>Receivers: </b>There wasn't a whole lot going on here beyond Derek Moye's four catches for 78 yards. Justin Brown and Devon Smith had three and two receptions respectively, but for minimal yardage, and Curtis Drake was a flash in the pan with one big catch for 31 yards. Drops weren't much of a problem, but that's little consolation in a loss like Saturday's. <b>Grade: C</b></p>
<p><b>Offensive Line: </b>It wasn't an entirely poor performance for this unit, but it seemed like it couldn't up holes for the run when it absolutely had to. The failed 4th-and-1 conversion late in the fourth quarter comes to mind immediately. Consistency will be a big key for this group moving forward. One and two first downs per drive isn't going to get it done on most drives. The line needs to string some together to have success against Ohio State and Wisconsin.<b> Grade: C<br></b></p>
<p><b>Defensive Line: </b>Nebraska did a nice job keeping Penn State's defensive front from being the disruptive force it has been much of the season. Jack Crawford had a sack and Devon Still had a tackle for loss with a forced fumble, but that was about the extent of the mayhem these guys caused. They also let the Cornhuskers' Rex Burkhead and Taylor Martinez shred right through them on a few key third-down-and-long situations to keep the chains moving. Again, we've seen better. <b>Grade: C</b></p>
<p><b>Linebackers: </b>Three guys from this unit were among the defense's top four tacklers, but the group failed to bring the pressure it has in recent games. It didn't produce any turnovers, either, which could have changed momentum in Penn State's favor when it desperately needed some. <b>Grade: B</b></p>
<p><b>Secondary: </b>The defensive backs limited Martinez to 143 yards passing on the afternoon, which isn't bad. He did make a few key completions over top of the defense, but most were glancing blows. Of all the units on the team, this one was by far the most consistent throughout the day. An interception would have been helpful, though. <b>Grade: A-</b></p>
<p><b>Special Teams: </b>Anthony Fera's missed field goal in the first quarter proved to be the difference in the game. Of course, it was a 47-yarder, but at this point in the schedule, those points are precious, and failing to convert was the difference between a loss and possible overtime. The return game also struggled. <b>Grade: D</b></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/penn-st-nittany-lions/2011/11/15/2562275/penn-state-football-devon-still-tom-bradley-matt-mcgloin-derek-moyeFTG18552011-11-13T08:23:14-05:002011-11-13T08:23:14-05:002011 Bowl Predictions: Penn State Currently Slotted For Outback Bowl
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<p>Penn State was stopped short on a late fourth-and-1 Saturday evening, failing to overcome a 17-point deficit in losing 17-14 to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/nebraska-cornhuskers">Nebraska Cornhuskers</a> in the first game of the post-Joe Paterno era. The loss dropped the Nittany Lions to 8-2 on the season, and 5-1 in the Big Ten. The loss also means Penn State is no longer projected to be going to the Gator Bowl, as it was last week. The new projected destination? The Meineke Car Care Bowl in Houston.</p>
<p>The Pittsburgh Panthers inched a game closer to being bowl eligible Saturday afternoon, defeating the Louisville Cardinal 21-14. Fellow Big East member West Virginia also won, upsetting #23 Cincinnati 24-21, and though currently slotted for a relatively minor bowl, the Mountaineers still have a chance at winning the Big East and earning a berth in a BCS Bowl game.</p>
<p>Here are <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/11/13/2558007/college-football-bowl-projections-week-12-2011">current bowl projections</a> for Pittsburgh, Penn State and West Virginia:</p>
<p><b>Beef O'Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl, December 20, 2011</b></p>
<p>Pittsburgh vs. East Carolina</p>
<p><b>Belk Bowl, December 27, 2011</b></p>
<p>West Virginia vs. North Carolina</p>
<p><b>Outback Bowl, January 2, 2012</b></p>
<p>Penn State vs. South Carolina</p>
<p><i><b>For more 2011 bowl projections, check out <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football">SB Nation's college football hub</a>. For a complete bowl schedule, <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/Ncf/News/Story?Id=6672862">click here</a>. For more on the Mountaineers, be sure to visit <a href="http://www.smokingmusket.com/">The Smoking Musket</a>. For all your Penn State news and notes, pop over to <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/Ncf/News/Story?Id=6672862">Black Shoe Diaries</a>. Pittsburgh fans should check out <a href="http://www.cardiachill.com/">Cardiac Hill</a>.</b></i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2011/11/13/2558245/bowl-predictions-2011-meineke-penn-state-pittsburgh-west-virginiaT.J. Doyle2011-11-12T15:49:30-05:002011-11-12T15:49:30-05:00Nebraska Vs. Penn State Final: Nittany Lions Late Rally Falls Short, 17-14
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<p>The Penn State Nittany Lions fought their way back from a 17-0 deficit in the third quarter, but their final drive fell short as Matt McGloin's pass fell incomplete as time expired. It was an emotional game for the Nittany Lions, given the circumstance, and that was evident early on. PSU fought back however, to get the game within a field goal.</p>
<p>Penn State actually out gained Nebraska yardage wise, as the Nittany Lions defense limited the Nebraska rushing attack to just 188 yards. Huskers quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76896/taylor-martinez">Taylor Martinez</a> was limited to completing only 50% of his passes and passing for only 144 yards, but the offense just couldn't get anything going early in the game.</p>
<p>Matt McGloin had a nice day, passing for 192 yards but the offense just couldn't score points until it was too late and were pressed on the final drive to get into field goal range with under a minute left in the game. With the loss, Penn State falls to 8-2 overall, but still holds the top spot in the Leaders division picking up their first Big Ten loss.</p>
<p><b><i>For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit <a href="http://www.cornnation.com/" target="_blank">Nebraska blog Corn Nation</a> and <a href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/" target="_blank">Penn State blog Black Shoe Diaries</a>. Here's the<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/11/8/2546853/college-football-tv-schedule-oregon-stanford-georgia-auburn"> complete Week 11 college football TV schedule</a>, and stay tuned to SB Nation's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/11/12/2553132/sbnation.com/ncaa-football">college football news hub</a> for more.</i></b></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2011/11/12/2557128/nebraska-vs-penn-state-final-nittany-lions-late-rally-falls-short-17Alfie Crow2011-11-12T14:57:50-05:002011-11-12T14:57:50-05:00Penn State vs. Nebraska: Lions Earn Fumble Recovery
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<p>Penn State gets a nice return on Nebraska's punt to open the fourth quarter, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37460/stephfon-green">Stephfon Green</a> picks up a first down on a nice run to get the Nittany Lions close to midfield. Once again, though, the passing game has trouble, and the drive stalls. Penn State is running out of time.</p>
<p>That said, interesting to see the contributions Green has made in the running game. It wasn't that long ago that he was suspended, and even more recently, he was fighting with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/85925/curtis-dukes">Curtis Dukes</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37462/brandon-beachum">Brandon Beachum</a> for time. Today, he's second on the team with 36 yards on 10 carries.</p>
<p>Nebraska gets the ball moving once again on its ensuing drive, but <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37478/devon-still">Devon Still</a> forces a fumble and Penn State recovers. Stadium whips into a frenzy.</p>
<p>Whoa boy, here we go. Let's see if Penn State can capitalize on the momentum here and get back in this game as the clock winds in the fourth quarter.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2011/11/12/2557045/penn-state-vs-nebraska-lions-earn-fumble-recoveryFTG18552011-11-12T14:45:32-05:002011-11-12T14:45:32-05:00Penn State vs. Nebraska: Cornhuskers Lead 17-7 After Three Quarters
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<p>Following Penn State's first touchdown of the day, Nebraska is able to move the ball on the ground again, but the Nittany Lions' defense stiffens up just in time, stopping the Cornhuskers short of the first down marker at the Penn State 32-yardline.</p>
<p>Justin Brown fair catches the punt, and here we go. Can the offense keep the momentum from the last drive going?</p>
<p>Um, no.</p>
<p>A short run and a couple of incompletions, Penn State goes three-and-out and is forced to punt.</p>
<p>Nebraska takes over at its own 17 and picks up a first down up to its 31-yardline to start the drive. A short rush by Burkhead runs out the third quarter clock, and we'll move to the final stanza here at Beaver Stadium with Penn State still trailing 17-7.</p>
<p>Penn State needs a stop, and maybe a forced turnover soon, or this one is close to over. Can the Lions pull it out?</p>
<p>Stay tuned.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2011/11/12/2557015/penn-state-vs-nebraska-cornhuskers-lead-17-7-after-three-quartersFTG18552011-11-12T14:24:17-05:002011-11-12T14:24:17-05:00Penn State vs. Nebraska: Stephfon Green Gets Nittany Lions On The Board
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<p>Following Nebraska's second touchdown of the day, Penn State finally gets a serious offensive drive going. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/51488/matthew-mcgloin" class="sbn-auto-link">Matthew McGloin</a> mixes some intermediate completions with some four and five yard runs by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114111/silas-redd" class="sbn-auto-link">Silas Redd</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37460/stephfon-green" class="sbn-auto-link">Stephfon Green</a> before McGloin hits <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37456/derek-moye" class="sbn-auto-link">Derek Moye</a> up top for a 40-yard completion inside the Nebraska five-yard line.</p>
<p>Stephfon Green finishes off the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run, and just like that, the Nittany Lions have life, as its now just 17-7 Nebraska.</p>
<p>It's hard to express how big that score is for Penn State. With 5:07 left in the third quarter, there's still time for a comeback, but it had to start there. Credit the Penn State offense for finally stringing plays together after a bunch of inconsistent drives in the first half. Let's see if the defense can get the stop it needs to keep this momentum going.</p>
<p>Penn State scoring summary: nine plays, 82 yards, 3:36 time of possession.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2011/11/12/2556994/penn-state-vs-nebraska-stephfon-green-gets-nittany-lions-on-the-boardFTG18552011-11-12T14:11:05-05:002011-11-12T14:11:05-05:00Penn State vs. Nebraska: Cornhuskers Take 17-0 Lead
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<p>Penn State starts the second half off with a bang as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37460/stephfon-green" class="sbn-auto-link">Stephfon Green</a> lays the wood to Nebraska's Kenny Bell on the kickoff. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76903/rex-burkhead" class="sbn-auto-link">Rex Burkhead</a> gets the first rush of the half and picks up a first down, however, and the Cornhuskers are on the move again.</p>
<p>A false start penalty on 3rd-and-15 on the following set of downs gets the stadium back into a frenzy, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37465/nathan-stupar" class="sbn-auto-link">Nathan Stupar</a> stops Bell short on a pass from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76896/taylor-martinez" class="sbn-auto-link">Taylor Martinez</a>. Penn State will get the ball back.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114111/silas-redd" class="sbn-auto-link">Silas Redd</a> is back in the game for the Nittany Lions at running back. He looked banged up in the first half, but he's back in there now, and you can bet coach <a href="#" class="sbn-auto-link">Tom Bradley</a> is happy about that, as he's the biggest offensive weapon this team has.</p>
<p>Penn State breaches Nebraska territory with a nice completion from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/51488/matthew-mcgloin" class="sbn-auto-link">Matthew McGloin</a> and some runs by Redd, but Nebraska forces and recovers a fumble, the Lions' first turnover of the game, and Penn State's momentum is squashed.</p>
<p>The Huskers take the ball back into Penn State territory with a run by Burkhead and continue to push, now into scoring range, with the dual ground attack of Burkhead and Martinez.</p>
<p>A 17-yard scamper by Martinez gets Nebraska inside the Penn State redzone. He pitches to Rex Burkhead on the following play, who scores on a 14-yard run. With 8:51 to play in the third quarter, Nebraska leads 17-0.</p>
<p>Nebraska scoring summary: 8 plays, 52 yards, 2:54 time of possession. </p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2011/11/12/2556949/penn-state-vs-nebraska-cornhuskers-take-17-0-leadFTG18552011-11-12T13:33:39-05:002011-11-12T13:33:39-05:00Penn State vs. Nebraska: Cornhuskers Take 10-0 Lead To Half
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<p>Hearing murmurs that Penn State running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114111/silas-redd">Silas Redd</a> might be hurt. He's apparantly holding his arm on the sideline. Something to keep an eye on as the team's biggest offensive weapon this season has failed to get much going in this low scoring affair.</p>
<p>After Penn State's most recent punt, Nebraska makes another advance into Penn State territory, looking to build on its 3-0 advantage. Quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76896/taylor-martinez">Taylor Martinez</a> has keyed a drive inside the Nittany Lions' redzone. Penn State forced an incompletion on third down from the 15 yardline, but an pass interference penalty sets up Nebraska with a first down inside the 5-yardline.</p>
<p>Immediately following the penalty, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/132010/ameer-abdullah">Ameer Abdullah</a> rushes ahead for a 2-yard touchdown, and with :44 left in the first half, Nebraska leads 10-0.</p>
<p>Nebraska scoring summary: 12 plays, 80 yards, 2:49 time of possession.</p>
<p>After getting the ball back, Penn State gets some forward momentum, picking up a couple of first downs as time winds of the first half clock, but a facemask penalty costs them 15 yards, and that effective kills the drive. That's the half. It's 10-0 Nebraksa.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2011/11/12/2556883/penn-state-vs-nebraska-cornhuskers-take-10-0-lead-to-halfFTG1855