STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -Temple coach Al Golden can only wish he had the problems facing his old boss, Joe Paterno.
Troubles running the ball? Hiccups in the red zone? No problem for No. 5 Penn State – the passing game and solid defense have paced Paterno’s Nittany Lions to two decisive, season-opening victories.
Just getting into the end zone would be an accomplishment for the Owls (0-1) when they visit Beaver Stadium on Saturday.
Penn State (2-0) has held Golden’s squad to a field goal in outscoring Temple 123-3 the previous three seasons, including a 42-point blowout in Happy Valley in 2008.
It hasn’t been a happy homecoming at all for Golden, a two-year starter at tight end for Paterno from 1989-91, and a Penn State assistant in 2000.
home.”
That might be the case so far this season for Penn State in all facets but the rushing attack.
The Nittany Lions’ offensive line is struggling with the run, especially at the guard spots. Tailback Evan Royster, a 1,200-yard rusher last season, has managed just 102 so far.
The sputtering ground game is in large part due to opponents stuffing the box with eight defenders, Paterno said. Any potential inside lanes have quickly closed on the shifty Royster and speedy backup Stephfon Green.
Paterno hinted this week he might make some changes on the line.
“Joe is definitely on them. He’s looking for perfection … wanting them to be more physical,” said tight end Andrew Quarless. “Now that they got the jitters out the first two games, they should definitely be good.”
Early problems with the run have also led to concerns in the red zone. Penn State hasn’t had consistent push up front on short-yardage situations, highlighted by the Nittany Lions’ inability to score against Syracuse last week inside the 3 on four straight plays that culminated with a lost fumble.
Paterno discounted notions that there was added urgency this weekend with the Big Ten opener against Iowa looming on Sept. 26.
o well and go from there.”
The Owls might be the perfect tonic, especially after the Nittany Lions ran for 303 yards on 45 carries against Temple last year.
Temple also had a bye week to stew about a 27-24 season-opening loss to FCS school Villanova on Sept. 3 following a Wildcats field goal as time expired. The Owls had five turnovers, including three interceptions by quarterback Vaughn Charlton.
Paterno chalked Golden’s troubles up to tough luck.
“His kids have come back and been competitive. And that’s what we’re going to see this week,” Paterno said. “Al has not lost control of his football team. They’re well-coached and disciplined.”
The Owls will be hard-pressed to score on Penn State, which has given up just two touchdowns over its first games – and that’s with top linebacker Navorro Bowman spending most of the time on the sideline with a right groin pull. Bowman likely won’t play again Saturday.
It’s a typical Penn State defense that is stuffing the run and getting solid pressure on the quarterback without blitzing much. Paterno, though, would still like the unit to produce more turnovers, dissatisfied with the Nittany Lions’ three interceptions on the year.
As if Golden had enough to worry about before his annual reunion with his old supervisor.
“It’s a tall task in front of us, something that we’re all trying to prepare for,” Golden said.
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