Game Day Essentials: Game #18 at Penn St

Penn St Info

Head Coach: Pat Chambers

Location: University Park, PA

Conference: B1G 10

Nickname: Nittany Lions

Last time out: Lost at Purdue

Typical Rotation Depth: 7-8 players

Line: PSU by 3

Fun Fact : The Nittany Lion nickname comes from local landmark Mount Nittany. They made up the name to impress some dudes from Princeton.

Fun Fact : Penn St is 0-3 in conference games where they've led with 3 minutes to go in the game.

Possible Starters

Huskers

0 Tai Webster 6-4 194 Fr

15 Ray Gallegos 6-2 182 Sr

5 Terran Petteway 6-6 209 So

31 Shavon Shields 6-7 219 So

35 Walter Pitchford 6-10 234 So

Buckeyes

23 Tim Frazier 6-1 170 Sr

13 Geno Thorpe 6-3 180 Fr

2 D.J. Newbill 6-4 205 Jr

43 Ross Travis 6-6 225 Jr

5 Donovon Jack 6-9 210 So

The Skinny

The return of Tim Frazier from last year's injury hasn't worked out too well for Penn State so far as they're the only winless team in the B1G. The Huskers roll into town with sole possession of 11th place after their win over a slumping Ohio State team. Neither team should be taking this matchup lightly.

The Nittany Lions actually have a smaller team than the Huskers so it's not too terribly surprising to find out they like to run 3 guards and shoot from outside. The team revolves around the slashing and passing ability of mighty mite Tim Frazier who along with guard D.J. Newbill. Both players constantly draw contact and only leave the court when they're in foul trouble. Whoever can keep up with either of these guys on defense should see plenty of playing time assuming they can minimize their hacks.

Penn State does have some shot blockers but the Husker's slashers should find plenty of space and plenty of contact as the Nits foul as much as Nebraska. There should be offensive rebounds available for the Huskers so watch for Pitchford to break for the hoop like he did vs. Iowa. It's possible the Husker might try and run early to wear on the depth of Penn State.

If this is the game that Penn State decides to start hitting threes against a sometimes lazy Husker defense, it could turn into an ugly game. Otherwise expect there to be huge swings for both teams who have roller coaster like stretches throughout games. It should end up being a close one and while Penn State has the home advantage, let's hope they still can't close.

Prediction: Nebraska 78 - Penn St 75