Northwestern heads out this week on its first road trip since Sept. 1 when the Wildcats travel to State College, Pa. to take on Penn State. The Daily got a chance to chat with John Stuetz, the football beat reporter at The Daily Collegian, and discuss this season in Happy Valley. Popular topics included the aftermath of former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky’s sex abuse conviction and subsequent sanctions against the football program, but we also got some insight into growth by Penn State’s quarterback Matt McGloin. The Nittany Lions have been a problem for the Cats the last two seasons as NU has been shut out in the second half of both games and blowing leads in the losses.
The Daily: What is the support like on campus for this team?
John Stuetz: Though some may argue the support for this program has decreased overall, I’d be hard-pressed to say the love and admiration for this team on campus has decreased at all. Walking around campus, you’ll still see just as many Penn State football apparel. Now, however, shirts saying “Billieve” have become the go-to shirt, instead of the traditional “Joe Knows Football” ones. The student body has fought through the scandal and subsequent sanctions as one entity and, in my opinion, it has brought its support for the program to an even higher level than before.
The Daily: How has Bill O’Brien handled everything thus far?
Stuetz: Coach O’Brien has gotten his money’s worth with his new gig in Happy Valley, that’s for sure. Coming on staff before the announcement of the sanctions, O’Brien has stood strong before this team when others may have even jumped ship. His main motto, “next man up,” has epitomized the team’s ability to step up in the place of the countless members of last year’s team who have since transferred or stepped down from the team. He didn’t get off to the greatest start, but O’Brien has done a miraculous job turning this team around and guiding them in the right direction.
The Daily: What is the biggest difference in this year’s Matt McGloin from previous versions?
Stuetz: For McGloin, this year has been all about confidence. Last season, McGloin would often try to force the issue and squeeze the ball between two defenders because he worried Rob Bolden, the 2011 co-starter, would be coming in to relieve him off the bench. This year, however, the fifth-year senior has taken command of this team and this has resulted in him usually making the “smart throw,” instead of trying to shoot for the “amazing throw.” He’s relaxed and in sync with his receivers, and the 1217 yards he’s thrown for so far are no fluke.
The Daily: Which Penn State player is going to have the biggest impact on Saturday’s game?
Stuetz: I’d look for wide receiver Allen Robinson to have the breakout game from Penn State’s side of the ball in this one. The sophomore has averaged 88 yards per game and quickly filled the unknown go-to receiving threat the team lacked at the start of the season. Robinson had a down game against Illinois with just three catches, but I see him and McGloin getting back on the same page on their home turf with over 75 yards and a touchdown.
The Daily: What’s your prediction for Saturday?
Stuetz: Saturday seems like it stands as a pivot point for both teams, but especially Penn State. The Lions are coming off three wins and a dominating victory over Illinois in the Big Ten opener, but still stand at just 3-2 on the year. I’d look for Penn State’s defense to struggle to contain Colter and company early, but I think the Lion defenders will ultimately figure the Wildcats’ offense out. As for the other side of the ball, I expect a heavy emphasis on the passing game that will yield a positive finish to the game. My prediction is Penn State steals it on a late fourth-quarter touchdown, to win, 21-17.
