EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Hey, everybody. We're just minutes from kickoff in the press box high above Spartan Stadium. This is the place to turn for commentary and in-game updates on all the latest news on today's game, as it's happening.

The Spartans are introducing their graduating seniors and their families on the field, and the stadium's clock says we're about seven minutes from game time.

We've just heard that redshirt freshman Ollie Ogbu will be starting on the defensive line in place of sophomore Chris Baker, who did not travel here this weekend after being charged for his alleged role in a fight in the HUB last month. Ogbu has seen action in every game of the 2007 season and has started three of them.

Opening kickoff

Junior Justin King filled in on Penn State's kickoff coverage team in place of Knowledge Timmons, who also did not travel here because of his alleged involvement in last month's fight.

Michigan State won the toss and elected to receive to start the game. Penn State brings out sophomore A.J. Wallace at cornerback, starting in place of junior Lydell Sargeant for the second consecutive week.

Safety Tony Davis, who has been plagued by injuries this season, is not on the field. Mark Rubin is playing at safety in his place. It's possible we may see Davis later in the game.

Speaking of Penn State's secondary, Spartan quarterback Brian Hoyer has just completed an impressive 31-yard pass.

However, the Spartans are ultimately forced to punt. Penn State's offense begins its first drive deep in its own territory.

After an incomplete Anthony Morelli pass, Penn State is forced to punt.

9:47

On their second drive, the Spartans take only three plays to get onto the board. A 12-yard Devin Thomas touchdown catch and subsequent extra point gives the Spartans a 7-0 lead.

Thomas' catch was a quick screen pass from Hoyer. Thomas made his way down the sideline, pushing by would-be tacklers Rubin and safety Anthony Scirrotto.

8:42 MSU 7, PSU 0

Sophomore Chris Bell is in at wide receiver. On one of his first plays, he got, arguably, more open than he's been all season, catching a 22-yard Morelli pass for a first down.

The refs can't figure out what down it is. They say it's fourth down, and Penn State brings its field goal unit. Then the refs change their minds -- it's third down, they say. The Spartan crowd lets out a chorus of boos, while the refs scramble around, trying to figure out exactly what down it is, while 22 confused players wait on the field.

After a few moments, one ref sets the record straight, much to the enjoyment of the crowd.

"Correction, it is fourth down," the ref says.

The Spartans' drive will begin at their own 1 yard line.

Safety Tony Davis is on the field for the first time today. Davis was the Lions' opening-day starter, but has missed time this season with a shoulder injury and also after an operation to remove his appendix a few days before Penn State's game against Ohio State.

After a Spartan Punt, Penn State takes over around midfield. Backup quarterback Daryll Clark is in, while Anthony Morelli lines up as a wide receiver. Clark attempts to hit Derrick Williams, but his pass is about one foot too far in front of his receiver.

A 37-yard touchdown pass from Morelli to Deon Butler ties it up at 7.

3:53 MSU 7, PSU 7

On the Spartans' next drive, Lydell Sargeant makes his first appearance at cornerback. He and Wallace have been battling for playing time in the secondary since the preseason, when Sargeant won the opening-day starting role.

A Brian Hoyer pass ends up in the hands of Penn State safety Anthony Scirrotto, who runs it back 53 yards, deep into Penn State territory.

Evan Royster, Penn State's redshirt freshman running back, is now in the game for the first time. Royster was sidelined in the second quarter of last week's game with a high-ankle sprain.

That will do it for the first quarter. I'll be turning it over to Corey now, who will be bringing you updates through halftime.

End of first quarter, MSU 7, PSU 7

Well, that was an interesting and long first quarter. Morelli just muffed the snap on third down to begin the second quarter. Kevin Kelly then kicked a field goal, the 19th game in a row that he's converted a try.

14:10 left in second, PSU 7, MSU 10

Early in MSU's next possession, A.J. Wallace and MSU wideout Deon Curry were scuffling after a play and Wallace punched Curry in the back drawing a personal foul. A few plays later, a MSU gain was negated because of a late hit. MSU would have had a third and short but instead were forced into a 3rd and 17 and couldn't convert.

Derrick Williams almost gave the ball away to MSU on the punt return, but his fumble was recovered by PSU's Josh Hull .

12:16 left

The right guard rotation continues. Young Stefen Wisniewski is in for starter Mike Lucian. Morelli nearly throws a pick six on third down, but PSU punts instead. The punt play ended with 10:49 left in the quarter but the clock kept running to 10:19. Now the referee announces a reset to 10:29. There is still some elapsed time unaccounted for.

I wonder if something important will happen with less than 11 seconds left in the first half.

10:29 left officially. But officially, right now, is wrong.

Interesting thing from the PSU defense. Four linebackers were in the game on a third and short in place of a safety. Connor, Lee, Josh Hull and Bani Gbadyu. Gbadyu played one of the middle spots and ran straight into the backfield to make the tackle.

MSU punts to the PSU 1. Crowd is loud, and Morelli sneaks for a few. Royster is in at tailback and runs for another short gain. 3rd and five. On third downs the student section chants "Ah-ou, Ah-ou, Ah-ou!" a la the 300 movie. Very nice. Yes, that's how we're spelling "Ah-ou.". If you have other suggestions, send them along.

PSU punts to MSU. But Sean Lee picks off Brian Hoyer at the start of the Spartans next drive and the Lions get the ball back. On 4th and 1 and the MSU 29, Joe Paterno decied to go for it and Kinlaw got it by the nose of the ball.

On the next play, Williams takes a hand-off and THROWS to Deon Butler. Butler was moving all around as he tried to catch the ball, got two hands on it, but fell in the end zone without possession.

For the third time, Clark is in at QB. He takes the shotgun snap and is immediately hammered by multiple defenders after faking a hand-off.

:27 seconds left, Time out. PSU with the ball at the MSU 16.

Morelli finds Kinlaw on a screen pass. Long gain to the MSU 5.

:18 left, Time out PSU.

Kinlaw scores two plays later to cap the Lions longest drive, in terms of plays (15), of the season.

:08 PSU - 17, MSU - 7 and that will pretty much do it until halftime. Kevin's going to take over for the third quarter.

A trick play on fourth down gives Penn State a 24-17 lead.

On the following drive, the Spartans' offense is threatening. They have the ball on Penn State's 3-yard line when Brian Hoyer completed a pass to Jeff McPherson for a touchdown.

7:25 PSU 24, MSU 14

The Spartans' offense is starting to come back to life. After a sluggish second quarter, they started off the third with a touchdown and are now putting together a solid drive. Jehuu Caulcrick just broke free for a 14-yard run that takes Michigan State down to the Lions' 33 yard line.

Michigan State's 91-yard drive ends with 33-yard touchdown catch by Thomas. A.J. Wallace was several yards behind the Spartans' wide receiver.

2:14 PSU 24, MSU 21

A Tyrell Sales' fumble recovery gives Penn State the ball on the Spartans' 35-yard line late in the third quarter -- and a chance to halt Michigan State's comeback surge.

On the final play of the third quarter, Anthony Morelli hits tight end Mickey Shuler to give Penn State the ball on the Spartans' 16-yard-line.

Corey will be taking over for most of the fourth quarter, until we go down to the field and interview the players and coaches after the game.

PSU 24, MSU 21

Kinlaw score was just called back because of a holding penalty. Kinlaw was at least five yards past where the hold occurred. On a key third and very long, Morelli threw a strike to Williams down to the MSU 6. And Kinlaw then found the end zone again. PSU countered the momentum the Spartans were gathering. The "Ah-ou's" were getting louder. Now, it's kind of quiet.

That was a huge third down conversion. One of the more important plays of the game. We'll see how the MSU offense responds.

13:02 left in regulation, PSU 31, MSU 21

After another awful PSU kickoff coverage, MSU began at the Lions 45. And the Spartans score again on a beautiful grab by MSU wideout Devin Thomas with Anthony Scirrotto on coverage. Another quick drive for the Spartans, under two minutes. It's either team's game to win again.

11:04 PSU - 31, MSU - 28

PSU goes three-and-out with three pass attempts. MSU is fired up, now with a chance to take the lead.

9:50 left

A strange quiet tension in the crowd and MSU looked like it would go three-and-out. But the Spartans ran a fake punt and the Spartans have momentum, and after a long pass are at the PSU 45.

The Spartans score on a run by Caulcrick and they now lead.

Me and Kevin are heading down to the field for the conclusion. It's been a wild game, and should be interesting.

4:08 MSU - 35, PSU - 31

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Excuse the obvious 300 reference in the title but this is our first visit to Michigan State, home of the Spartans.

First things first, we picked up on a bit of Michigan language. Our parking spot outside Spartan Stadium, we now know, is in a parking garage. But apparently a parking garage here is referred to as a "ramp." The people directing traffic kept telling us our spot was in Lot R. The R standing for the ramp. It became obvious if you didn't know where the ramp was, that you weren't familiar with Michigan State's campus.

Secondly, sources have told us that various 300 sound effects are played here during games. So we'll be looking forward to that during this afternoon's regular-season finale. Kevin wonders if the stadium personnel here would use clips from the end of the movie and risk ruining it for those that haven't yet see it.

Unfortunately, the press box is pretty much soundproof so it might be hard to hear any sounds from the field. All we can hear now is the chatter of other reporters and the television broadcast of the Michigan-Ohio State game.

Speaking of which, I'm going to watch the end of the game that most of this state cares about, and be back for the kickoff of this one.

It's overcast and drizzling here right now, and about an hour from game time.

--Corey

Click here to download the mp3 file.

Rumor all season among us media types has been that guard Rich Ohrnberger is one of the funniest players on the team. I had not been privy to the big fella's sense of humor until yesterday morning.

In a conference call with reporters, Ohrnberger revealed his lighter side. He said he's started to open up a bit this season because "the coaches were gaining more confidence in me as a player." In fact, he said he's more confident now, which means he's also more loose around the team.

"I promise you now I'm pretty comfortable and I'll crack jokes," he said.

He'll jabber with the opposing defensive linemen on Saturdays, asking about the weather or if they've seen any recent movies. Or he'll talk to the referees about golf.

"I don't know a ton about golf," he said, "but I think I can hold my own in a 30 second conversation during a TV time out."

Reporters also asked Ohrnberger about the offensive line's Thursday evening barbecue and film sessions, which turned into a manifesto his teammates' eating habits.

"Gerald [Cadogan] will swing by [my apartment] every once and a while looking for snacks," he said. "Sometimes you'll have, maybe, hidden treats or something for yourself."

He paused and added: "I can't think of any fat jokes at the moment."

So, who on the offensive line eats the most?

"I guess [Dennis] Landolt," Ohrnberger said. "He probably eats more peanut butter sandwiches than I previously thought humanly possible. He takes the cake. Literally."

-- Mark

The Nittany Lions defense will return all defensive starters next year except for, of course, their best one, middle linebacker Dan Connor. This is assuming cornerback Justin King bypasses the NFL draft and returns for his senior year.

But as usual, Penn State's linebacker corps has players waiting to step in, move over, or do whatever to get on the field.

First off, you know Sean Lee. He's proved himself and certainly isn't next generation, but could likely play a new position next year. Lee will return next year and could easily move to middle and follow the path of Connor and Paul Posluszny. This week, Connor said a move would be easy for Lee. Based on his instincts and work ethic, Lee could play the middle right now if he needed to, Connor said.

If Lee does move to the middle, that leaves an outside starting spot open. This year, redshirt freshman Navorro Bowman and junior Tyrell Sales split time at the outside spot opposite Lee. They'll figure to be in the running for either starting spot next season. Bani Gbadyu, another speedy redshirt freshman who leveled a Temple player on special teams this week, is another possibility at outside.

Chris Colasanti (No. 53) is a new player to watch. Both Connor and Lee this week mentioned Colasanti as someone who's ready for the spotlight. He's a true freshman and seen limited time this year, but he did play in the Ohio State game in a special run-stopping package. So remember his name. Connor and Lee have figured out how to play linebacker pretty well so I think they should be able to scout who could play their future positions.

There's also redshirt sophomore Josh Hull, who played well in place of an injured Bowman at outside this season during the Iowa game.

And don't forget about Dontey Brown. He will be a senior next year and entered this season as backup to Connor at middle. Brown has been hampered by a dislocated elbow this year, but could theoretically step into middle if Lee stays at outside.

And then there's a guy by the name of Shaine Thompson (No. 51), a freshman from the Bronx, N.Y., and a high school teammate of likely future PSU tailback Stephfon Green. Connor mentioned Thompson right after Colasanti as a player to watch.

"They're playing scout team now, they're just waiting to get on the field. There's going to be a lot of competition. It's going to come down to who's going to be able to step up in the offseason," Connor said.

And the one constant is linebackers coach Ron Vanderlinden is known to train every linebacker at all three positions, and train them well.

So it appears the state of Linebacker U is strong, and Lee, Colasanti, Hull, Brown and a few others will together make it stronger.

--Corey

Listen to this week's Tuesdays with JoePa:

Click here to download the mp3 file.

Michigan State is, apparently, full of Internet gems. The football program -- and people around it -- have thrust themselves onto the blog-o-sphere for some of their more outlandish and memorable moments. Here at the Footblog, we're proud to serve them up. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.

This first is link is a radio rant by a Michigan State alum and Detroit talk-show host Mike Valenti. Priceless. Classic. Scary. I've heard it all describe this clip. It's long -- about 15 minutes -- but you owe it to yourself to listen. I promise, you won't be let down.

For context, Valenti tears into a rage because his beloved Spartans blew their huge game against Notre Dame a week earlier. (That was way back when Notre Dame was good.) Some of the more memorable moments in the clip:

-- He compares members of the now-departed members of the Michigan State coaching staff to the famous children's puppets H.R. Pufnstuf and Teddy Ruxpin.
-- He claims that the Spartans "choked on applesauce."
-- He reminds former Michigan State coach John L. Smith that time outs are not like cell phone minutes -- "they don't carry over."

In truth, that clip has been around since last fall. And, rest assured, The Daily Collegian sports staff has thoroughly enjoyed it since.

This next bit of multimedia is more current. Just a few weeks ago, Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio called out Michigan for some of its on-the-field behavior following the Wolverines win against the Spartans. By the sounds of it, that rivalry won't be dying down any times soon.

-- Mark

Click here to download the mp3 file.

Ten minutes until kickoff and the stadium's still about halfway full, but my right-hand man Corey McLaughlin has done some scouting --- there's still plenty of people tailgating and filing in through the gates, he says.

On a side note, I'm watching the Linc's big screen ... and their mascot's name is Hooter Balboa? I'm speechless. There's a clip right now with Hooter Balboa parodying the Rocky movies. It ends with Hooter running up steps with two cheerleaders, and the cheerleaders rip a Nittany Lions' T-shirt in half.

Man, that was awful ...

We'll update after kickoff now --- throughout the game.

**********

WHO?

Temple is having no problem finding soft spots in Penn State's defense --- at least on this first drive. The Owls' offensive line is terrible; Penn State tends to blitz --- and Temple coach Al Golden isn't stupid. He's running quick, three-step drop passes. Everything has been short or mid-range for Temple.

Good thing for Penn State that, again, Temple is just plain awful. Jake Brownell missed a 22-yard field goal. Heading into this game, he's hit 57.1 percent of his field goal attempts this season --- and is only 3-for-9 on kicks longer than 29 yards. Ouch.

**********

It's official. Not only is Penn State on pace to own the Owls; Penn State fans are owning the Linc.

"We are ... Penn State" chants are reverberating throught the stadium. And after Jordan Norwood's touchdown --- on a nice throw by Anthony Morelli --- the "P-S-U, Let's Go PSU" cheer started up. Maybe it's not a complete homefield advantage for Penn State, but it would be foolish to say it was a homefield advantage for Temple.

**********

First Quarter, 4:36 left

The more I watch this game, the more I think: What's worse? Temple's mascot or Temple's special teams?

Hooter Balboa came out in golden gloves and sweats, parodying a Rocky cliche ... while Temple has already missed a 22-yard FG (the equivalent of an extra point) and just had a 28-yard punt ... which actually ended up netting 23 yards because the punt unit committed a five-yard penalty.

Loser this round: Temple's Special Teams (note: there are no winners)

**********

END OF FIRST QUARTER

Well, I have to say this is pretty much what I expected. Temple has scored on 0 percent of its drives; Penn State has scored a touchdown on 100 percent of its drives.

That's right, it's 14-0 --- and probably time to jingle those keys.

The first blow-up doll has already made its appearance, as well. On the 45-yard line, the doll was bounced around for about five minutes before it was confiscated. It was close enough to the field that it may have actually made TV.

**********

SECOND QUARTER, 11:48 LEFT

I'm sorry if I seem a little hard on Temple ... actually, you know what? I'm not sorry. This team is horrible. Absolutely awful. People are already, seriously, filing toward the exits --- maybe they're just going to get food or maybe they're leaving.

But you couldn't blame Temple fans if they did head toward that exit.

On a fake field goal play, Temple found freshman tight end Matt Balasavage wide open in the corner of the end zone .... Balasavage dropped it. He dropped a touchdown.

That's right --- Temple's missed a field goal that was as long as an extra point, and it dropped a touchdown. Man, the Owls aren't even meeting MY expectations.

I'm sorry if I seem bitter. It's just --- I can't take this non-conference schedule anymore. Florida International, Buffalo, Temple? The only time I see these teams is when I check out ESPN's Bottom 10. For the love of God, Tim Curley, please take note: SCHEDULE BETTER TEAMS! Enough automatic wins! Stop it!

**********

SECOND QUARTER 3:13

Can someone please call the athletic department? State College Area High seems to have made the trip and has somehow managed to wander on the field. Those kids could get hurt out ... oh, wait, that is the Temple football team.

Maybe it's the fact dink-and-dunk Morelli is averaging almost 17 yards a completion, or that Rodney Kinlaw has 70 yards on a dozen carries that confused me.

Or maybe it's because Temple's red zone has become some sort of bizarro-Bates Motel --- once you visit, you have to leave ASAP. The Owls have made their way inside Penn State's 20-yard line on three occasions but still have nothing to show for it.

There's the missed FG, the dropped TD --- and the recent touchdown that was called back because of a holding penalty. After that penalty, the Owls came closer to a score but fumbled the ball. Oh, it's been ugly.

**********

HALFTIME

Well, Penn State's winning 17-0 at halftime. So, that's good I guess.

What's not good? Penn State's secondary continues to struggle. Vaughn Charlton -- Temple's second-string signal caller --- has thrown for 175 yards and has a 68 percent completion percentage. And he's had quite a few passes dropped. Might be time to unload that Justin King draft stock, too ...

The odd part of this game is that, although Temple appears INCREDIBLY outmatched, one could argue it should be tied --- maybe even winning --- against Penn State. Temple's been on the verge of scoring a touchdown three times, and three times the Owls have come back empty.

Tom Bradley's rubber-band defense might crack soon ... so who knows? Maybe Temple will put some points on the board, after all.

But back to the Temple being outmatched part, though. Maybe this will add some perspective --- when the Lions snap the ball, they're averaging 7.7 yards. That's right, Penn State's average offensive play (run or pass) has gone for almost 8 yards.
They've run 34 offensive plays for 261 yards.

Good grief, Hooter Balboa.

**********

THIRD QUARTER, 6:32 LEFT

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly in the third quarter:

Good: Derrick Williams just broke the 100-receiving yard barrier for the first time in his career. He's really started coming on these last two games.

Bad: Anthony Morelli threw his obligatory interception of the day. He also fumbled earlier in the game.
Mark Viera just received a text from a Penn State friend in Reading --- it read, "The only thing worse than Morelli's turnovers is hearing TV commentary. Larry Coker is beyond awful." For those of you watching TV, we offer our condolences --- although look on the bright side: It could be Pam Ward.

Ugly: During the "Smooch Cam," two clearly inebriated men were shown. They embraced and pecked at each other after smashing Miller Lite cans together ... um, yeah, the same beer cans that aren't sold in the stadium. Gotta love the college football atmosphere.

**********

END OF THIRD QUARTER

Make that FOUR missed opportunities for the Owls. Three red zone trips, zero points --- and, most recently, sophomore Temple linebacker Alex Joseph just dropped an interception that could've easily gone for a pick-six.

Instead, the game remains at Penn State, 17-0. Temple had ample chances to make this a REAL game. Instead, it's failed. Miserably.

It's the fourth quarter now --- and in the words of Corey McLaughlin, "Hip-hip-hooray."

**********

FOURTH QUARTER, 11:40 LEFT

Well, the stats are in --- and Temple recorded a grand total of ... drum roll, please ... -3 (THAT'S NEGATIVE!) yards in the third quarter. That's no easy feat and the Owls should be congratulated; it's the only notable thing they've done all day.

As far as other numbers are concerned, the official attendance was 69,029 people --- the largest crowd in Temple football history and in MAC regular season history. Penn State tailback Rodney Kinlaw also went over 1,000 yards on his touchdown run. Kinlaw has 135 yards so far in this game.

In case you missed it, Kinlaw scampered for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Penn State leads, 24-0. Will Penn State cover the spread? Stay tuned!

**********

END OF GAME
Penn State 31, Temple 0

And Penn State covered the spread! The Lions beat the spread!

Why am I leading off talking about the spread right now? Because unless you had money on this game, there was really no reason to watch after halftime. Overall, the game was poorly played --- I don't think I've ever seen a lesser-impressive shutout.

And Temple's offense? My God, Merriam Webster needs to add a stronger synonym for the word "suck." After all, the Owls have earned it. Four opportunities, no points. Joe Paterno and the Lions tried to hand Temple a gift touchdown ... well, the Owls must've put it on lay-away.

Better luck next week against Kent State, Temple.

OK, so maybe there's not a lot of hype surrounding this game --- at least not for Penn State.

But, in talking to Temple fans, they're considering this the most important matchup of the season. The stadium is normally about one-third full; today it's anticipated to be a sellout. This is the best team Temple's faced all season --- hold the jokes, Paterno haters --- and the Owls are bouncing up and down in their end zone. They're pumped.

I don't know the last time Temple beat a ranked team --- I'd look it up, but I feel like I'd have to go through stone tablets or papyrus to find that last time. Let's be honest: It sure as hell doesn't happen often.

Temple's about a 25-point underdog heading into today's game. I'm hoping it stays close at least for a while so I don't accidentally catch some Z's before halftime ... but we'll see.

I'll grab some more coffee and keep blogging, as long as you guys keep reading.

We just got inside Lincoln Financial Field, and I've got to say --- Temple's about to be embarrassed.

No, I'm not talking about the score here. I'm getting a kick out of the "THIS IS OWL COUNTRY" banners strewn across the field. Because if they actually believe that, they're about to be invaded.

When we walked through the parking lot, Temple fans were few and far between. Corey McLaughlin likened it to the flower gardens at Penn State --- there was beer, footballs, and loads and loads of Penn State fans. Blue shirts outnumbered red about 10-to-1.

There's no telling how many Penn State fans will be inside the stadium, or if this will be like a homefield advantage for the Lions, but one thing is certain --- Penn State fans definitely travel well.

Anyhow, I'm going to grab a cup of coffee. I suggest you grab one, too, because this is bound to be a long one.

---Josh Moyer, football editor

Click here to download the mp3 file.

Listen to this week's Tuesdays with JoePa:

Click here to download the mp3 file.

I've been meaning to post this for some time, but required reading took precedent (Truman Capote's In Cold Blood and The Liar's Club by Mary Karr). Such is the life of an English major.

But I digress. This is the Footblog's first ever book review. Two weeks ago, at the Ohio State game, I met SI.com's Stewart Mandel. For those of you who might not know -- if, perhaps, you've been living under a boulder -- Mandel is one of the nation's foremost authorities on college football. He just so happened to be in town for the Whited Out clash against the Buckeyes, and he just so happened to have a copy of his recently published book, Bowls, Polls and Tattered Souls. He was nice enough to give me one.

Mandel tackles everything in the book from the Bowl Championship Series to the recruitment of former Penn State offensive lineman Antonio Logan-El. As one might expect, Mandel lends a credible voice to an array of complex and layered issues in the college football world. What comes through, in particular, is the wealth of knowledge he brings to his coverage. Also, one thing I've always enjoyed about Mandel is that he's not afraid to speak straightforwardly in his columns or this book.

Bowls, Polls and Tattered Souls is 256 pages worth of Mandel commentary and insight. It's like his Inside College Football Blog but longer. And if you're a college football fan, that's a good thing.

-- Mark

Click here to download the mp3 file.

Good morning to all from the Beaver Stadium press box. We are about 20 minutes from game time on this crisp fall day here in Happy Valley. I am Kate Aras and I will be bringing you live updates from the game today.

The student section is lacking in numbers at the moment. Not like I didn't expect that since a noon kickoff is a tough time for these college kids to make it to on time. Still, I would've expected better from the supposedly Best Fans in College Football. And its Senior Day. Shoutout to those not in the student section however. You definitely showed up to play.

The Lion cannot even get the fans roused. This does not bode well for the afternoon. Hopefully the Blue Band fires up the crowd or its going to be a long game.

Check back for more updates throughout the game.

10:15 left in the first quarter

The game started off exciting but not for Penn State. Dorien Bryant had a 98-yard kick-off return to give Purdue a 7-0 lead. The Nittany Lions came out firing on their first possession. They moved down the field quickly with a few nice runs, one from Anthony Morelli himself. Surprisingly, he didn't fumble. Nevertheless, the red zone offense was less than impressive and a false start flag on third and two hurt the team's chances to score a touchdown. Kevin Kelly kicked a field goal to put the Lions on the board

Purdue 7 PSU 3

End of the First Quarter

Purdue 10 PSU 3

Huge goal line stand for Penn State with 2:34 left in the first quarter. Sean Lee recovered a fumble on the one yard line to stop the Boilermakers from scoring their second touchdown of the game. The Lions then took the ball to the middle of the field before the quarter came to a close.

In other game notes, Mike Lucian is playing today. He has missed time this season with a concussion but was back on the field during the first quarter.

3:11 Left in the Second Quarter

PSU 10, Purdue 10

The first half of the second quarter was more of a defensive battle for both teams. The Lions seem to have finally gotten a hold of Purdue's offense and were able to stop them on third down when Phillip Taylor sacked Painter for a 5-yard loss.

This seemed to turn the tides as Penn State received the ball and proceeded to march down the field. The red zone offense showed up as Anthony Morelli threw a five-yard touchdown to Derrick Williams.

End of the first half

PSU 13, Purdue 10

The fans finally filled up their section. Except for a few sections, most seats are taken. They've also roused their interest in this game. The sacks have brought on a few Zombie Nations and the wave has swept around a few times.

It seems the Lions' defense learned their lesson after its atrocious performance last week against Ohio State. While it allowed Purdue to score a touchdown and a field goal early on, it put a stop to the Boilermakers' offense during the second quarter. Not only did Taylor have a sack, but Chris Baker and Maurice Evans also got their hands on Painter.

The senior signal caller from Purdue, Painter, has yet to throw a touchdown. He came into Beaver Stadium as one of the top passers in the Big Ten but has yet to make a big play. At the end of the first half, he was 9 of 12 for 88 yards. Morelli was close behind him as he was 13 of 24 for 127 yards and a touchdown.

Penn State ended the quarter with a good drive down the field but did not have enough time to complete a touchdown. Kevin Kelly came in and missed the field goal. But a flag saved him and he was able to make it on a second attempt.

8:28 left to go in the Third Quarter

PSU 13 Purdue 13

Purdue marched down the field but was unable to get into the endzone again and were forced to kick a field goal. Overall, however, this game is pretty boring. The most exciting part of it happened within the first fifteen seconds when Dorien Bryant returned a kick off for a touchdown. Since then, it as been a mixture of penalties and mistakes on both sides of the field. Not sure why they decided to show this on ESPN. Maybe the Big Ten Network should've picked it up.

For Dan Connor, however, it was a momentous day. During the third quarter, Connor tied Posluszny for career tackles and then surpassed him with 9:37 left to go in the quarter. He now has 373 tackles.

Check back for more updates

End of the Third Quarter

Purdue 16 PSU 13

Painter and his offense cannot find the end zone but they can very easily get the football in between the goal posts. They again were forced to kick a field goal and Painter has yet to throw a touchdown. Is this a testament to Penn State's defense that they can stop this prolific passer or is Purdue making too many mistakes? I am tempted to say the latter, even though the defense has three sacks.

108, 318. This is today's attendance. Kudos to all those who came out to watch the seniors on Senior Day. Boooo to those who stayed inside or sold their ticket. In addition, Penn State has set a record for average attendance. This year, it averaged 108,917 which surpasses the previous record set in 2001.

During the end of the third quarter, Anthony Morelli achieved a feat not accomplished by any previous PSU QB. He is now the first Penn State quarterback to throw for more than 2000 yards in consecutive seasons.

11:19 left in the fourth quarter

PSU 19, Purdue 16

Two minutes into the fourth quarter, Derrick Williams rushed 12 yards for a touchdown. This is his second score of the game, the first one coming in the air during the second quarter. Kelly, keeping in fashion with the Wisconsin game, missed the extra point

The Lions looked to be driving again when they got the ball back after a short Purdue possession. The running game propelled the team down the field but Rodney Kinlaw fumbled the ball on the six and it was recovered by the Boilermakers. Someone needs to teach these Lions how to hold on to the ball.

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