INSIDE SLANT

Past history suggests Penn State’s regular-season finale at Michigan State will be decided in the fourth quarter—three of the last four meetings have been decided by 10 points or fewer.

Recent history does, too. Of the 259 points allowed by the Spartans this season, 108 have come in the fourth quarter. And Penn State, though it hasn’t yet paid for one of them, has had several slow starts this season.

The Nittany Lions trailed 7-0 at Michigan, 10-0 at Northwestern and 10-0 last week at home against Indiana before rallying to win decisively in all three of those games.

“I have a little concern, obviously,” Penn State coach Joe Paterno said Tuesday. “But do I have an explanation? No.”

Penn State’s defense has had the ability to adjust to whatever is working early for opposing offenses, and the Nittany Lion offense has used plays earlier in the game to set up big plays late. But much is at stake on Saturday. With a win, the Nittany Lions (9-2, 5-2 Big Ten) could put themselves in the middle of BCS bowl conversation, a subject Paterno had little interest in discussing Tuesday.

“You guys know more than I do,” Paterno said. “All I know is we’re playing Michigan State this week. If we don’t beat Michigan State, none of it’s important.”

NOTES, QUOTES

• A win Saturday or in its bowl game would give Penn State its 21st 10-win season in 44 years under head coach Joe Paterno.

• Since Penn State joined the Big Ten in 1993, the Nittany Lions and Spartans have combined for an average of 62.9 points in their 16 season-ending meetings, scoring at least 50 points in all but two of those games.

• Penn State QB Daryll Clark needs 203 yards to break his school’s single-season passing yardage mark of 2,679 yards.

Series History:   Penn State 13, Michigan State 12, 1 Tie (2008, 46-17 Penn State)

Scouting The Offense:   Unless it goes against a dominant defensive line, Penn State’s offense’s worst enemy this season has been itself. The running game has been steady if not spectacular and quarterback Daryll Clark, when given time, has been able to find a variety of receivers on both deep balls and short routes. Turnovers and penalties, however, have often prevented this group from maintaining consistent rhythm.

Scouting The Defense:   It’s still tough to run on the Nittany Lions, who are allowing only 2.9 yards per carry and have surrendered only five touchdowns on the ground all season. Linebackers Navorro Bowman, Josh Hull and Sean Lee are playing at a high level against both the run and the pass. Penn State will need consistent play from a secondary that has been toasted on more than one occasion this season.

Quote To Note:   “The kicking game will be a big factor in how this game goes. If we don’t do a good job there, we’ll have troubles.”—Penn State head coach Joe Paterno, whose team has struggled mightily in several special teams areas this season.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

This Week  ‘S GAME: Penn State at Michigan State, Nov. 21—The Nittany Lions need a win to be eligible for an at-large berth in a BCS bowl game and will look to go 4-0 on the Big Ten road for the first time in 15 years.

Keys To The Game:   Penn State’s defense must avoid what has been a string of sluggish starts and keep Michigan State’s explosive passing attack contained as much as possible. Quarterback Daryll Clark needs to be patient with the football and the Nittany Lions have to avoid the special teams mistakes that are piling up each week.

Players To Watch:  

LG DeOn’tae Pannell—Pannell started the season as the starting right tackle, was benched after four games and then moved inside to replace an injured Johnnie Troutman last week. He’ll need to play solidly against a tough Michigan State front.

CB Stephon Morris—Morris might have to start in place of senior A.J. Wallace, who could miss the game after suffering a head injury against Indiana, and will be needed in the nickel even if Wallace is able to play against a dangerous Michigan State passing attack.

QB Daryll Clark—The fifth-year senior has been the barometer for an otherwise young offense that has been all over the map this season. All 10 of Clark’s interceptions this season have been thrown at home.

Roster Report:  

• WR/KR Chaz Powell will likely miss Saturday’s game at Michigan State with a right shoulder injury he sustained last week against Indiana. RB Stephfon Green replaced Powell on kickoff returns.

• RB Brandon Beachum is out for the remainder of the season after tearing the ACL in his right knee during the second half against Indiana. Beachum also played on Penn State’s coverage teams.

• LG DeOn’tae Pannell will remain at left guard for the second straight week, though regular starter Johnnie Troutman is likely to be available after recovering from a strained calf.