Listen to the football staff discuss Saturday's game against Illinois.

Click here to download the mp3 file.

We just got a couple calls from football writers Corey McLaughlin and Mark Viera — and the Illinois press box's Internet isn't working ... for anyone.

So, I'm sorry to say there won't be a play-by-play blog here today. And because of the widespread Internet problems in the stadium, I don't think any media outlet will be able to blog.

Regardless, we'll still keep you updated with any breaking news or injuries. They're going to call me here in State College, and I'll post it up. But, again, I'm afraid there won't be a regular game day blog here like there normally is.

We apologize for the inconvenience, but if anything changes with the Internet, we'll let you know.

---Josh Moyer (football editor)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- What we doin'? We be chillin' at the Holiday Inn.

Sorry. It was Corey's clever idea to rip off the lame rap lyrics (thanks, Chingy) but we're just in the lobby waiting for our room to be cleaned here at -- where else? -- the Holiday Inn. Should be ready in an hour, the receptionist said.

Anyway, we've arrived here for tomorrow's Penn State-Illinois game. This town is flat and filled with yellowed corn and soybean fields. Apparently, that's just the way Corey likes it. Upon arriving here around 1 p.m. EST, he said, "I like the scene."

In the course of our travels between central Pennsylvania and central Illinois, we flew to Philadelphia, then to Chicago and finally here. Along the way, we picked up some wonderful newspapers (see below) and sampled some of the local flavor: Chicago deep dish pizza and a Chicago-style hot dog. Did you know that a Chicago-style hot dog is topped with a pickle, tomato, cucumber, peppers and mustard? It was pretty good, too.

Here are some stories we read while sitting in three different airports this afternoon:

Kevin Tatum of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports about the hapless Temple Owls, who will face Penn State at the end of the season.

In yesterday's Philadelphia Daily News, Mike Kern took a look at the weekend in college football. He paid particular attention to tonight's South Florida-West Virginia game.

In The Chicago Tribune, a gorgeous newspaper, Teddy Greenstein writes about the apparently hard-nosed Wisconsin quarterback, Tyler Donovan.

Corey, who has done two internships with magazines, decided to read Esquire. Never a bad choice. He liked a piece by Chuck Klosterman. Never short on opinions, Klosterman offered his theory on how to save sports journalism.

Be sure also to check The Daily Collegian Online for updates on the murder trial of former Penn State football player LaVon Chisley. The jury started deliberating at 11 a.m. today, the article said.

Let me shamelessly plug The Collegian again: Don't forget we'll be live blogging from Memorial Stadium tomorrow, so come back to the Footblog at noon EST if you don't get the Big Ten Network.

That's all for now. Our room should be ready shortly. We're going to relax for a bit and then check out this town. We'll report back if we come across anything interesting.

Cheers,
Mark

Listen to this week's Football Podcast:

Click here to download the mp3 file.

Here's some leftover material from interviews this week that we won't be finding space for in the paper.

Kevin Kelly ... on when he starts thinking about field goals:
"It all depends on situation, how the offense is rolling. I do look at if we've been throwing the ball deep, running the ball. ... If we get a punt, I'll start warming up if we get to the 30 or 40."

Mark Rubin , who's on kickoff coverage ... on Kevin Kelly's kickoff performance this season:
"No matter how well we cover, if he kicks the ball out of the end zone, they get the ball at the 20."

Dan Connor ... on how the losses to Michigan compare throughout his career:
"I remember have the same feeling last time. For some reason they seem harder than other's for one reason or another. We have to grow up as a team. You have to get over losses like this. It's going to be tough reading the papers and seeing the stuff and getting crticized big time. You can't get caught up in a loss like this."

Connor ... on the weekly stadium clean-up punishment:
"It's tough to wake up at 7:30 after a game and you're beat up. That's all Coach Paterno's business. You do what he says and you keep your mouth shut. You go out and go to work. You get up and go to work. It's tough but you do it. No one complains."

From Ron Zook's press conference:
Saturday's game will be the first Big Ten game played in renovated Memorial Stadium. The stadium features new North end zone bleachers.

Check out the paper,
Corey

Listen to this week's Tuesdays with Joe Pa:

Click here to download the mp3 file.

Listen to this week's Football Podcast:

Click here to download the mp3 file.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Greetings everyone. It's almost time for kickoff. Kevin and I (Corey) will be providing some play-by-play and commentary throughout the game. Yes, we know it's being nationally broadcast, but we're here so we might as well provide our perspective. As always send along emails with any comments during the game to cpm167@psu.edu and kjh5017@psu.edu.

Michigan has won the toss and deferred to the second half. Penn State will receive.

3:37 p.m. - Kickoff

Lions first offensive possession wasn't very good. Anthony Morelli was tackled for no gain on a third and long. After a Jeremy Boone punt, Michigan will get the ball for the first time at the PSU 42.

UM's first two plays were, not surprisingly, hand offs to Mike Hart for a gain of four yards total. On 3rd and five, after a Michigan time out, Ryan Mallett was sacked on his first pass attempt by Tyrell Sales. Zoltan Mesko's punt goes in the end zone. PSU ball at its 20. PSU - 0, UM - 0, 10:36 left in the first.

...In the UM student section, an inflatable shark...

PSU begins its second drive in a five-wide set. Morelli is hit and fumbles. Recovered by UM on the PSU 10. First and goal. Mallett's second pass is to Mario Manningham for no gain. Mallet drops back again on second down, fakes a pass right then scrambles left for a touchdown.
UM - 7, PSU - 0, 9:35 left in the first.

A.J. Wallace returns the kickoff to the PSU 28. Austin Scott in the backfield directly behind Morelli with three wideouts. Scott gains one yard. Morelli completes his first pass to Jordan Norwood on an out pattern. On 3rd and four, Morelli completes a pass to the normally surehanded Norwood for a first down, but then Norwood fumbles.

Upon review, the play is reversed. PSU first and 10 at its 48. Replays showed, to me, that Norwood lost the ball just before his back made contact with the ground. UM - 7, PSU - 0, 8:04 left in first.

A nice screen pass to Scott on the next play puts PSU at the UM 39. A reverse to Derrick Williams gains five on the first down. PSU picks up another first on a delayed run to Scott up the middle. PSU at the UM 25. Morelli sacked with five wideouts again on the field. 2nd and 16. Morelli incomplete to Scott, and on 3rd Morelli tried to find Andrew Quarless but it was broken up by UM safety Jamar Adams. Boone boots a coffin corner out of bounds at the UM 3. UM - 7, PSU - 0, 5:26 left in the first.

You have to think PSU defense is thinking safety here with the way the offense has struggled so far, especially when it has tried to spead UM out.

Hart runs for a gain of three on first down. UM backup tailback Brandon Minor rips of the longest run yet for the Wolverines out to the UM 17 for a first down. Mallett play action pass to tight end Carson Butler to UM 33 for another first. I may have a bad memory but I think that was the first successful play action pass against Penn State this season. After short run on first, Mallett pass goes incomplete in the arms of Justin King, who is covering Manningham. On third down, Mallett is tackled by Dan Connor and UM punts to Williams. Fair catch at the PSU 34. UM - 7, PSU - 0, 2:35 left in first.

Morelli hands off to Rodney Kinlaw -- We have a Kinlaw sighting! -- for a gain of one. Kinlaw picks up three on the next play. On third and long, Morelli incomplete to Norwood. PSU goes three and out. UM begins at its 31.

King clearly interferes with Manningham on a slant on UM first play. Yellow laundry everywhere on the field. Oh, that's cause there was an ineligible man down field, too on UM. Penalties offset . Still, first down on UM 31. Hart runs for a gain of 13. Hart stopped for no gain. Josh Gaines bats Mallett's second down pass away. 3rd and 10. Mallett with a 18-yard slant to Manningham with Lydell Sargeant on the coverage. Ball at PSU 38.

As we head to the second quarter, Kevin is taking over. Enjoy! End of first - UM - 7 PSU - 0

Hey guys, Kevin here. Shoot me an e-mail -- kjh5017@psu.edu -- if you're following the game along with us today.

Penn State's secondary has been doing its job -- for the most part. Ryan Mallett tries to start off the second quarter with a pass toward the sideline, but it is broken up by Tony Davis.

Michigan will have to punt after Mallett gets hit by Dan Connor and loses the football. The refs ultimately rule it an incomplete pass.

Morelli hits Terrell Golden on a 24-yard pass, giving Penn State a first down at midfield.

But the senior quarterback has had to be very aware of Michigan's defensive line today. Morelli is hurried on first down and scrambles for about three yards before getting brought down.

The Lions' offensive is starting to look alive for the first time all day. Rodney Kinlaw busts through the Wolverines' defense for a six yard run -- on the next play, the senior running back follows it up with a three-yard run that gives Penn State a first down.

Yeah, now they're getting into it. Morelli hits Andrew Quarless for a 22-yard pass to get Penn State inside the Wolverines' red zone for the first time all day.

Morelli had Deon Butler quasi-wide open in the end zone, but overthrew him. The Lions will have to settle for a Kevin Kelly field goal.

UM 7, PSU 3 -- 9:14 remaining in the second quarter

Mike Hart, who was limited to 18 yards in the first quarter, picks up eight yards on second down for the Wolverines.

It looks like Hart could get dangerous as this game goes on -- the senior running back picks up six yards on the next play, giving the Wolverines a first down.

And Michigan moves it right along: Mallett hits Adrian Arrington for a first down. A.J. Wallace makes the tackle. After a Mike Hart run, the Wolverines have it at Penn State's 34.

Mike Hart gets it again and finds a running line wide enough to drive a Buick through. On the next play, he gets it again and takes the Wolverines down to Penn State's 11-yard-line.

First and goal for the Wolverines after a short run to the 10-yard-line.

On third and goal, Mallett takes a shot at wide receiver Greg Mathews, but it's over Matthews' head.

Jason Gingell's kick is no good.

Score remains UM 7, PSU 3, with about three minutes to play before halftime.

Penn State goes three-and-out on its next drive. Jeremy Boon punts the ball to the Wolverines' Greg Mathews, and Michigan will take over at its own 27-yard-line.

Mike Hart gets a handoff on the first play, but loses one yard after being brought down by Sean Lee.

On second down, Mike Hart gets the ball -- again -- and is brought down by Jerome Hayes after a two-yard run. A round of boos begins to emanate from the Michigan Stadium crowd as the teams prepare for third down, with nine yards to go.

Mallett finds Mario Manningham wide open downfield. Manningham is brought down at Michigan's 42.

Mallett's next pass is tipped and hovers dangerously in the air, but isn't picked off. On third down, Mallett finds Arrington for a first down at Penn State's 46-yard-line.

The Wolverines call their third and final timeout with 32 seconds left in the second quarter. It's second down, with three yards to go at Penn State's 39-yard-line.

On second down, Mallett is pressured and has to throw it away. On second down, he hits Arrington over the middle to take the Wolverines down to the 24-yard-line, giving the Wolverines a first down.

Mallett spikes the ball to stop the clock on first down. On the next play, he takes a shot toward the end zone, which is incomplete.

His next pass attempt is picked off by Lydell Sargeant, who takes it back to Penn State's 37.

Morell downs the ball to end what has been an up-and-down first half for both teams.

I'll be handing it back to Corey for the second half. Stay tuned.

At halftime, UM still leads PSU, 7-3.

Michigan begins the second half at its 33. Hart starts were he left in the first, gaining nine yards. He moves the chains again on the next play. PSU defense able to get a stop, though, on a third and long. Mesko punts to Williams, fair catch at the PSU 17. 12:32 left, third quarter. UM - 7, PSU - 3.

First PSU offensive play of the half is a Scott run, left side, for a loss of two. Quarless makes a one handed catch but out of bounds on second down. Morelli in the shotgun throws into double coverage on Norwood. Another three and out, for PSU. UM has the ball after the punt at its 37.

Hart stopped for a loss of two, then a loss of one on two consecutive runs. Good penetration by PSU d-line on the first one. Navorro Bowman made the stop on the second. Mallett throws for a completion on third down but one yard short of the first down. PSU ball at its 19. 9:38 left in the third, UM - 7, PSU - 0.

If Penn State's offense can score a touchdown, or maybe even get a first down, the Lions might have a chance of winning. But right now, the offense isn't looking good at all. The defense looks to have figured out its run stopping problems for the time being.

Morelli quick six yard out to Deon Butler. On second, Scott gains three up the middle. On a key, 3rd and 1, Scott takes it up the middle for gain of 19 to PSU 47. Morelli pass to Matt Hahn out of the backfield for a gain of 10 and a first down. Morelli completes 11 yards to Norwood for another first. Scott gains one. Morelli in the shotgun on second down compeltes to wide out Butler who trash talks UM defensive back Brandon Englemon.

Big game changing play here: Scott fumbles, ball recovered by UM at the PSU 9. Upon review, the play stands. From out viewpoint up here watching the replays on television, it looks like the correct call. 6:09, UM - 7, PSU - 3. Big missed opportunity for PSU there. The offense got going but a turnover killed any momentum it had.

Hart takes three consecutive runs out to the UM 25. 2nd and seven now. Hart slips Chris Baker in the backfield gains a little. Now 3rd and five. Mallett competes to Adrian Arrington for a first, but on next play PSU gets a a turnover. Mallett bobbled the snap and PSU recovers at UM 35.

Morelli incomplete to Hahn. Delay run to Kinlaw for a loss of two. 3rd and 12 here. Morelli completes to Quarless one yard short. PSU going for it on fourth and one. Very big play here. Kinlaw just barely gets the first down. Morelli lofts one up for Quarless near the end zone. Quarless was interfered with and Morelli jumps around like he just threw a touchdown.

PSU ball at the UM 9, and a first down. After a short run, 2nd and goal pass complete to Williams to the UM 2. Kinlaw sweep to the left yields no gain, plus holding penalty. 3rd and goal from UM 12. PSU five wide again. Morelli attempt to Bell is incomplete. Had Bell caught it he would have been stopped short of the end zone anyway. Kevin Kelly knocks his second field goal through. :23 left, UM - 7, PSU - 6.

Kevin will take over now and take you through the fourth quarter until we head down to the field. This one is still to be decided.

Thanks Corey. Here in Ann Arbor, we have something unusual: a Penn State fourth quarter that actually means something. The Lions led Buffalo by 28 points at the start of the fourth quarter last week. They led Notre Dame by 14 at the start of the fourth quarter and, in the season opener, The Lions entered the fourth quarter leading Florida International by 52.

That means the Lions have had a combined lead of 94 points heading into fourth quarters so far this season. This week, they don't have that cushion. Instead, they enter trailing the Wolverines by one point.

Can the Lions handle the pressure of heading into the final quarter trailing their opponent?

Let's find out.

Mario Manningham is the recipient of two Ryan Mallett passes to start the fourth quarter, giving Michigan a nice start.

On second down from Penn State's 41, Ryan Mallett tries a reverse, handing off to Mario Manningham, who picks up three yards, giving the Wolverines a first down.

And Hart's the man who keeps this Wolverines offense going. The public address announcer has just told us that he's set a new Michigan record today -- rushing for at least 100 yards in 23 games as a Wolverine.

Michigan's in the red zone now, and Hart follows some key blocks before he is brought down by Mark Rubin at Penn State's 12.

It will be third down and five at the 15.

Mallett's in the shotgun and hits Greg Mathews for a nine-yard gain, giving the Wolverines a first down and goal at Penn State's six.

It will be first and goal for the Wolverines after a Lydell Sargeant pass-interference penalty.

On second down, Mike Hart rushes for a touchdown.

With 8:52 remaining, UM leads PSU 14-6.

We're going to head down to the field now for the last couple minutes of the game and to talk to players and coaches after the game is over. Check back shortly after the game, when Mark will have a web update on the Collegian's homepage about today's game.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- We'll we're here, inside the Michigan Stadium press box looking out at an empty Big House. It's early, about three hours from kickoff so the only people on the field are the Michigan cheerleaders warming up.

The weather is beautiful. No clouds and about 70 degrees.

One thing I picked up right away is how friendly the Wolverines fans have been to the Penn Staters in town, and there are a lot of them. Even last night, as we made our way around Ann Arbor, the students here were pretty welcoming.

And just a few minutes ago as we walked into the entrance of the stadium we were greeted in a parking lot by a nice old woman in a motorized wheelchair. She had a beverage in her front basket was decked out in Michigan gear. "Welcome to the Big House," she said.

That's the deal for now. We're going to head out and explore some more.

To hold you over until the game, we'll leave you with this memorable radio rant, in honor of Notre Dame and Michigan State renewing their rivalry today. If you haven't heard it yet, please listen.

-- Corey

Hey everybody,

Just got back up to the press box after milling around on the field for the last hour and a half. Freshman quarterback Ryan Mallett, dressed in full uniform, led the Wolverines out onto the field for pre-game warmups.

Meanwhile, senior quarterback Chad Henne was spotted at midfield at about 2:30, dressed in a white polo shirt and khaki shorts. Henne, who was wearing a brace on his right knee, casually tossed a football to reserve quarterback David Cone.

Penn State's Blue Band is out on the field right now, and, according to Michigan Stadium's scoreboard, we're about 20 minutes away from kickoff.

Stay tuned for more updates,
Kevin -- 3:17 p.m.

YPSILANTI, Mich. -- Good morning. Sorry for not blogging en route to Michigan. We didn't get wireless at the reststops. But we arrived last night, so here's your update.

Despite Corey's protest, Kevin made the entire drive out here without switching off. He later revealed that it became a personal goal to conquer the 6-hour drive. Last night we went out to a lovely dinner. (If you're in town, try the crabcake sandwich at the Red Hawk on State Street. It was fabulous.)

There were more than a few Penn State fans kicking around last night. I hung out with some of my friends who attend Michigan and they said they were of the "We are ... Penn State!" chant already.

Anyway, this morning -- after eating breakfast in bed -- we were milling around the hotel lobby. When Joe Paterno came out of the elevator, people obviously gravitated toward him. They offered him good luck. He was all business.

"I'm just looking for something to eat," he declared to the crowd, before heading off to the team breakfast.

As I type, the players are headed into breakfast.

OK, ESPN's College GameDay is starting. Time for me to sign off. We'll update you from the Big House.

Cheers,
Mark

Hey all,

In about 15 minutes, we'll be leaving for Ann Arbor, Mich. We're going to try and update the blog as we carve our way through Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan. Hopefully we can find wireless Internet at the reststops. Should be a fun trip. We're pumped.

And seeing as it should be an eventful weekend, we're going to keep things fun around the Footblog. So we're bringing back an oldie but a goodie. It's a video of Chad Henne's high school coach Jim Cantafio exploding during a pregame speech. In fairness, Cantafio is a pretty nice guy; I spoke to him this week. And over the years playing sports, I've seen plenty of coaches do and say some crazy things in the heat of the moment. But doesn't discount just how funny the video really is.

Anyway, we hope you enjoy the Footblog this weekend.

Take care,
Mark

Listen to football writers and sports editors discuss this weekend's game against Michigan.

Click here to download the mp3 file.

Listen to Penn State Football Coach Joe Paterno's comments on the upcoming game against Michigan.

Click here to download the mp3 file.

Here's an interesting piece from The Michigan Daily, Michigan's student paper. It examines why, exactly, the Wolverines started the season 0-2. The article does not "delve into the institutional or larger-picture problems that exist within the program" but magnifies specific problems on this year's team.

It's thorough and really evaluates some things that cut at the core of the Michigan team. Kudos to Daniel and Jack, the sports editors who penned the article.

We've got some more interesting tidbits on tap this week. Keep checking the Footblog.

Cheers,
Mark

Listen to the latest Collegian Football Podcast:

Click here to download the mp3 file.

Came across an interesting story when I was reading today's Washington Post. Derrick Williams' high school coach, Rick Houchens, has been suspended for the rest of the season along with an assistant because a former player improperly enrolled at the school, The Post reported.

Houchens, the Eleanor Roosevelt high school football coach, brought in a player from out of the Greenbelt district. That, The Post said, is against the rules.

"Prince George's County generally requires students to attend public schools within their neighborhood boundaries. Coaches are not allowed to recruit players to come to their school," the article said.

That's all for now. But check the blog and paper this week. Things should get hectic in anticipation for the Michigan game.

Take care,
Mark

No ticket? No Big Ten Network? Don't feel like getting up before noon to go to the game? Then you're in luck. Good morning from the Beaver Stadium press box. We'll be keeping some play-by-play and commentary for today's Penn State-Buffalo game.

Throughout the game, we welcome any comments via email to satisfy us that someone is reading. Today, Mark and I will be handling blog duties. My email is cpm167@psu.edu and his is mcv5009@psu.edu.

It's about an hour before kickoff and the special teamers are on the field practicing kicks and what not. The temperature is a cool 56 degrees under partly cloudy skies. "Football weather," some would say.

We'll be back for the game...

A little news for you: Seems Notre Dame backup quarterback Demetrius Jones has enrolled at Northern Illinois, according to ESPN.

12:06 p.m. - Kickoff

Student section is about half full, maybe, for the start.

Penn State won the toss and deferred to second half. Buffalo starts at its own 20, backs to the north end zone. First three plays for UB were from the shotgun. On the third, UB quarterback Drew Willy scrambled for a first down. The Bulls can't pick up another first down, but UB punter Ben Woods boots a nice coffin corner punt out of bounds to the PSU 9.

First PSU offensive play is a one yard gain by Scott. Anthony Morelli was pressured and scrambled for a gain of two on the second play. Third play, Morelli errant pass on an out pattern in the direction of Derrick Williams and PSU will punt. Jeremy Boone's in his own end zone and gets off a 56-yarder. UB starts at its 32. 9:51 left, 1st quarter. PSU - 0, UB - 0

UB goes three and out despite a lengthy gain through the air on third down. Looks like the Bulls considered going for it on fourth and a long one, but punt to Anthony Scirrotto, standing at about the PSU 20. He doesn't catch the ball and it bounces back to the PSU 10, where the Lions will start their second drive. 8:21 left, first quarter.

Bad exchange on the handoff between Morelli and Scott. The Lions fumble and UB has it first-and-goal at the PSU 8. A little noise now at 12:23 in the afternoon from the fans. First play incomplete pass out of bounds. Second, a pitch to UB tailback James Starks for no gain. TO Buffalo before third down. Willy competes a pass to tailback Mario Henry on third, he had some room, but was stopped by Sean Lee at the PSU 3. UB scores first with a field goal. 6:37 left in 1st, UB - 3, PSU - 0 Like last week against Notre Dame, these points can't be charged to the Penn State defense.

A.J. Wallace returns the kickoff 26 yards to the PSU 39. Morelli completes his first pass to Dean Butler for 9 yards. Next play is the Derrick Williams Swing Pass to the right for a first down. But on the next play, Scott takes a hard hit and fumbles. Its recovered by the Bulls at the UB 48. Replays show the ball popped out after being hit by a UB helmet. UB goes three and out but its offense is pretty creative, throwing multiple looks at the Lions.

PSU beings within its own 10 again after the punt. Rodney Kinlaw is in for Scott at tailback and he gains 19 yards on his first two carries. Morelli is sacked on the next play and on 3rd and 6, Morelli completes to Williams for the first. Kinlaw breaks another nice run, this one for 18 yards. Running back controversy, anyone? Lions face a third and 8 as the first quarter ends.
UB - 3, PSU - 0 To Carol from Lansdale, thanks for reading, and the student section is almost filled up now. The rest of the stadium is pretty much full.

Hello friends, Mark here. Let's get right into it.

Penn State couldn't convert on third and 8 after a 1-yard pass to Butler. Boone has a 32-yard punt, pinning UB around the 10. UB called for illegally blocking in the back on the punt. UB starts from the 6.

UB gained nothing on first down run. Henry gained 8 yards on his next run up the gut.

UB gave it to Henry again; he picked up the first down. UB keeps the drive alive.

Henry stopped for a 2-yard loss.

Maurice Evans sacked UB quarterback Drew Willy for a loss of 10. PSU students put up the safety sign because UB was pinned deep on the 5.

UB stopped on flare pass, and punted on fourth and 16.

Williams fielded UB punt, bringing the ball to the UB 39.

Kinlaw lost 2 on the opening play of the PSU drive. Morelli, again, threw a little flare. This time it wasn't to Williams. Norwood gained 7, making it third down and 5.

Kinlaw busted through the UB line for a 9-yard gain, giving PSU the first down. PSU gained 11 on slant to Norwood. PSU finally made it to the red zone. Fans rose to their feet when Morelli hit Deon Butler in the far corner of the end zone ... but he was out of bounds, making it third and 8 from the UB 12. A Williams reverse got nuthin' (OK, it gained 2 yards.) Kelly hit a 27-yard field goal. With 6:29 remaining in the second quarter, PSU has evened the score, 3-3.

UB started on its own 21.

With the luxury of a TV time out, let me just throw out this stat: Sean Lee had seven -- yes, seven -- first-quarter tackles. Wow.

Now, back to the UB drive. Willy threw incomplete to James Starks on first down. On second, Willy stepped up in the pocket and hit Naam Roosevelt for an 11-yard gain and a first down. On first, UB failed to catch another Willy pass. A UB run was shut down and on third down, Willy threw the ball away because of Penn State's coverage. UB punted to Williams and Scirrotto, who were both back. UB squibbed a little punt to the PSU 33.

On a side note, Andrew Quarless is in the game. Stefen Wisniewski is in at right gaurd.

On first down, Morellli overthrew Butler. On the subsequent play, Kinlaw picked up a PSU first down on a nice run.

Kinlaw gained little on first down. On second, Morelli way overthrew all his receivers. Morelli hit Norwood for a gain of 14 and a PSU first down. After a few short runs by Kinlaw, Penn State is facing third and 1 from the UB 30. Kinlaw picked up the PSU first down on a short run.

Morelli hit Butler on first down for a 6-yard gain. PSU is going into a no-huddle offense. On second down, Kinlaw dropped a Morelli pass on a little screen. Morelli connects with Andrew Quarless -- yes, Andrew Quarless -- for a 21-yard touchdown on a ball lofted over the middle. With 2:34 left in the half, PSU is up 10-3.

UB's drive started on its own 16. UB opened with a screen, which gained 4 yards. PSU then called a time out with 2:16. UB's second down attempt was incomplete. Then, in an absolutely bizarre turn of events on third down, the UB tight end caught a ball a began upfield. He got spun around by Tony Davis, sending the ball flying 5-yards upfield. Scirrotto just so happend to be moving down the field, so he caught the ball on a fly and cut into the end zone. He was called out of bounds, however. PSU started the drive on the UB 18.

PSU drove it way down with Kinlaw and scored when Norwood made a circus catch from his back in the end zone. The play was promptly reviewed. But the play stood as called. With 59 seconds remaining in the half, PSU took a 17-3 lead.

As I watched the replay on the press box TVs, it was apparent that Norwood didn't catch the ball. He was on his back, reached up and tried to bring it into his body. The ball hit the ground. Don't know why the call wasn't overturned.

With less than a minute in the half, PSU smartly went into nickle coverage. No matter, UB completed a few passes -- long and short -- to reach the PSU 28. The Bulls drive stalled and they attempted a 49-yard field goal with two seconds on the clock. It was way short.

The score at halftime is PSU 17, UB 3.

Here's the Footblog Halftime Report... still sponsored by no one.
-- Well, Penn State's defense is doing its normal business. With the exception of a long pass late in the second quarter, the D hasn't given up much. The unit again kept the Lions in the game in the first half as the offense turned the ball over early in a game for the second consecutive week.

-- Rodney Kinlaw has assumed the tailback role after Scott's two early fumbles. It will be interesting to see who starts next week at Michigan.

-- True freshman right guard Stefen Wisniewski is seeing extensive time for the first time this season. Penn State policy doesn't normally allow freshman to talk to the media, but we'll try.

-- PSU is lucky it got two touchdowns at the end of the half. If this game was tied right now, I could imagine Buffalo coach Turner Gill giving an impassioned halftime speech and it having some credence.

-- Also, Wisconsin and the Citadel are tied at 21 at the half in Madison. Oh, Big Ten, where'd you go and where are you going?

Third quarter

PSU begins on the UB 49 after a Wallace returned. Nice tackle by the Bulls kicker, Gerry McGroarty. Kinlaw begins with another nice run, and Morelli throws a nine yard pass to fullback Matt Hahn. On a 3rd and one at the UB 30, Kinlaw runs for a first. Mike Lucian is now in at right guard. Morelli throws a 27 yard touchdown pass to Terrell Golden, who was wide open. This might be the easiest three touchdown performance in quite some time. 12:39 left in the third, PSU - 24, UB - 3.

Kinlaw has career highs in carries (17) and yards (91).

UB begins at its 17, south end zone side. Willy begins with a 29 yard pass. A second run is stopped by Lee and Dan Connor for no gain. Bulls face a third a four at the PSU 37, and convert. This just in, Mark Rubin, former wideout is in on the defensive backfield in place of Tony Davis. After a nine yard nice run by Starks, UB faces another third down. They get the first but now face a fourth down and UB is going for it with three wideouts to the left. Connor sacks Willy and PSU has the ball at its 37. 7:44 left in the third, PSU - 24, UB - 3.

Scott is back in at tailback and takes two consecutive hand-offs out to midfield. The Lions execute a nice deception play with Morelli faking hand-offs to both Scott and Williams then lofting the ball the Golden to the UB 5. First and goal. Scott run no gain. Morelli touchdown pass to Quarless, the second time they've connected. 5:24 left in the third, PSU - 31, UB - 3 9 plays, 63 yards, 2:20 on the scoring drive.

UB begins at its 20. Willy completes pass to Ernest Jackson who slipped a Justin King tackle and ran about 20 yards. Now at midfield. Rubin is still in. 3rd and eight fore th Bulls, three wide to the right. Scirrotto picks off a deflected Willy pass and returned way down to the UB 25. PSU offense stalls and Kelly misses a 46 yard kick. 1:43 left in the third, PSU - 31, UB - 3

UB with the ball now, and Starks rumbles for a first down. UB at its 42. Bulls face a 3rd and five at midfield heading the fourth quarter. PSU - 31, UB - 3

Wayne Staats, a Collegian writer helping us out today, will blog the fourth quarter.

As per tradition, "Hey Baby" signals the start of the last quarter and the last chance for UB to put one in the EZ.

Nice pass from Willy to Jackson for a first down at the PSU 39. Next play, out of the shotgun, another Bulls pass goes for 4 yards. Willy's next pass is just out of his WR;s reach. Lee just misses an interception as Willy gets a completion to bring up fourth-and-one. Pitch to Starks picks up the first.

From the PSU 29, Willy gets a pass deflected at the line. On second down, a 17-yard pass moves UB to the PSU 12 for a first down.

The Bulls move closer to the endzone when Starks takes the handoff down to the PSU 5. Starks takes the handoff again and runs in for the TD.
With 11:55 left in the fourth quarter, PSU-31 UB-10.

Williams take the kick and returns it 24 yards to the PSU 39. Kinlaw takes the handoff and gets 5 yards before getting tripped up. Kinlaw gets the first with a nice run to the UB 41.

On first down, Morelli passes to Williams for one yard. On a similar play on the opposite side of the field, Morelli's pass gets just out of the reach of Norwood to bring up third-and-10. PSU picks up the first with an 18-yard pass to Kinlaw down to the UB 22.

Kinlaw gets another carry to get down to the 17. A dump pass to Hahn nets a PSU first down at the 10. Hahn then takes the handoff for 4 yards. On second down, Kinlaw caps of his 100-yard rushing day with a 6 yard TD run.
With 8:07 left in the game, PSU-38 UB-10.

Kelly's kickoff is taken in the EZ, where UB returnman Hagg takes it to the PSU 48. Willy finds TE Rack for a first down.

With that, we head down to the field. Check back later for the full results.

Listen to this week's Football Podcast:

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Listen to audio from Joe Paterno's press conference with commentary by Kevin Horan.

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Last weekend, Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen was the freshman quarterback getting his first career start for a high-profile program.

This weekend, the attention will revolve around Michigan's Ryan Mallett. He'll get his first collegiate start against -- who else? -- the Fighting Irish. Both teams head into the game 0-2.

Michigan coach Lloyd Carr told the Associated Press today that Mallett will be the one to fill in for Chad Henne, the Wolverines' senior quarterback who was injured in the second half of Saturday's loss to Oregon. Check out the story.

According to the story, Carr is uncertain when Henne will return. There's a chance he won't be ready when Penn State plays its first road game of the season at Michigan Sept. 22.

-- Kevin

Amidst the sea of white strewn throughout Beaver Stadium Saturday, one familiar fan was present to remind fans to "eat fresh" at their tailgates.

Jared Fogle, famous for his commercials touting how he lost almost 300 pounds on a Subway diet, was in town on a promotion with Subway and the Big Ten Network, "talking healthy eating" with local school kids, he said in an exclusive interview with the Footblog.

Fogle was momentarily shown on the Beaver Stadium big screen, drawing yells of, "Hey, that's Jared!" or, "The Subway dude!" from the Nittany Lion faithful. Fogle's presence on the sideline certainly outshone that of former Penn State linebacker LaVar Arrington or Penn State President Graham Spanier, who was asked to take the picture of two girls who had no idea who he was.

Fogle, however, was the center of attention. He took photos with adoring fans after the game, who bypassed greeting the Penn State football players who had exacted their revenge upon Notre Dame.

Fogle -- clad in a white Dan Connor jersey -- was one of the game's honorary co-captains and was making his first trip to Happy Valley.

Fogle, a graduate of Indiana University, said that Penn State takes the pigskin quite a bit more seriously than his alma mater, traditionally a basketball school.

"We don't have a football experience like this, that's for sure," Fogle said. "I'm amazed. It's awesome. And the students here just rock."

While Fogle doesn't have a completely bright outlook for his Hoosiers, he shares a different perspective for the Nittany Lions.

"Penn State's a great team," Fogle said. "You guys are gonna go pretty far this year."

- Joseph Dolan

Notre Dame's quarterback, Jimmy Clausen, didn't take too many shots down the field in the first quarter, preferring instead to try some short screen passes.

But it wasn't Notre Dame's offense that put seven points on the board. On Penn State's first drive, Anthony Morelli takes a shot down the field at Derrick Williams, only to have his pass intercepted by the Irish's Darrin Walls, who runs it back 73 yards for a touchdown.

Ultimately, Williams got his revenge. Toward the end of the quarter, he returned a Notre Dame punt for a touchdown, evening the score at 7-7.

That's where we stand at the end of the first quarter. This is Kevin, I'll be turning it over to Mark to take you through the second quarter here in Beaver Stadium.

Second quarter: Hey, guys. Mark here. For the record, let me say Clausen looks good -- very good -- in his first collegiate start. He hasn't wowed with his ability to throw the deep ball, but he hasn't even really attempted anything long. Instead, I came away from the first half being impressed by his moxy in the pocket. Very rare for someone his age.

Morelli finds Terrell Golden on a 9-yard pass, giving Penn State a first down on its own 39.

Rodney Kinlaw busts through the Notre Dame defensive line on a 2-yard gain, giving Penn State a first down on the Notre Dame 49. 12:14

On 3rd and 11, Morelli has a pass tipped out of bounds by Trevor Laws, a defensive end. 11:01

Notre Dame 1st and 10 from its own 10-yard line. 10:54

The fans are jumping. The press box is shaking. Aaron Maybin sacks Clasuen, on his blindside, to force 4th and 15. Notre Dame punts. Williams makes a fair catch on the Penn State 49. 8:54

Penn State is driving. Austin Scott just picked up a first down on a 6-yard run, giving the Lions a first down on the Notre Dame 13. Notre Dame just called a timeout. 7:23

Morelli connects with Jordan Norwood for a 10-yard touchdown pass. Kevin Kelly hits th