Penn State Returns Home for Minnesota Game
After last week’s tough welcome to the Big Ten this season with a loss against No. 4 Michigan, Penn State returns home to Beaver Stadium this weekend for a kickoff against fellow Big Ten team, the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
With most starting linebackers injured, multiple younger Nittany Lions have stepped up, emulating the “next man up” mentality that Head Coach James Franklin has worked hard to promote in his players.
True freshmen Connor McGovern (Larksville, Pa.) and Cam Brown (Burtonsville, Md.) have quickly assumed the responsibility of their elders with flying colors. Both fought hard during Michigan and have earned their spot as freshmen starters this weekend.
“ has played a lot of football for us. He’ll continue to play and we’re evaluating this week,” said Franklin. “ went in and played as a true freshman and got people excited. He had 10 tackles in the game, really in his first significant time, and right now, he’s at the top of the depth chart.”
Scoping out the Gophers, Minnesota will definitely be a darkhorse team to watch out for. They currently have 228.3 rushing yards (PSU has 101.2), 430 total offensive yards to Penn State’s 338.5, and 56 percent on third down compared to Penn State’s 24 percent.
Penn State, however, owns four interceptions to Minnesota’s one and 237.2 passing yards to the Gophers’ 201.7.
Despite the loss last weekend, Franklin notes that the team will take a calm, deliberate approach this Saturday.
“We’re not going to overreact. We’re going to correct the mistakes. Our guys want to play well… the coaches want to play well,” said Franklin. “It’s about correcting the issues that showed up in the game on Saturday.”
Long snapper fifth year senior Ty Yazujian (Royersford, Pa.) echoed the sentiment felt by the whole team when it comes to playing a conference game at home here in Happy Valley.
“It’s always great to play in front of our fans and play in Beaver Stadium. It’s definitely a huge advantage to our team,” said Yazujian. “ bring the energy we need… we don’t take it for granted playing at home, so we’re definitely excited to be here .”
Are you ready for the next home game, Happy Valley? Head to Beaver Stadium this Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
With most starting linebackers injured, multiple younger Nittany Lions have stepped up, emulating the “next man up” mentality that Head Coach James Franklin has worked hard to promote in his players.
True freshmen Connor McGovern (Larksville, Pa.) and Cam Brown (Burtonsville, Md.) have quickly assumed the responsibility of their elders with flying colors. Both fought hard during Michigan and have earned their spot as freshmen starters this weekend.
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Scoping out the Gophers, Minnesota will definitely be a darkhorse team to watch out for. They currently have 228.3 rushing yards (PSU has 101.2), 430 total offensive yards to Penn State’s 338.5, and 56 percent on third down compared to Penn State’s 24 percent.
Penn State, however, owns four interceptions to Minnesota’s one and 237.2 passing yards to the Gophers’ 201.7.
Despite the loss last weekend, Franklin notes that the team will take a calm, deliberate approach this Saturday.
“We’re not going to overreact. We’re going to correct the mistakes. Our guys want to play well… the coaches want to play well,” said Franklin. “It’s about correcting the issues that showed up in the game on Saturday.”
Long snapper fifth year senior Ty Yazujian (Royersford, Pa.) echoed the sentiment felt by the whole team when it comes to playing a conference game at home here in Happy Valley.
“It’s always great to play in front of our fans and play in Beaver Stadium. It’s definitely a huge advantage to our team,” said Yazujian. “
Are you ready for the next home game, Happy Valley? Head to Beaver Stadium this Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
