Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
Penn State is doing what good teams do -- take momentum from the end of the first half and carry it into the third quarter. The Lions have elevated their play on both sides of the ball, and Evan Royster continues to make his case as arguably the Big Ten's best running back. Royster could eclipse 200 rushing yards today, just like Shonn Greene did against Wisconsin.
The Big 12 might be the league of quarterbacks, but with guys like Royster, Greene, Javon Ringer and Chris "Beanie" Wells, no conference has better running backs than the Big Ten.
Michigan's quarterback situation has sidetracked a gutsy performance. Steven Threet might be hurt, because he's clearly the Wolverines' best quarterback and the offense moved the ball well in the opening half. Nick Sheridan looks overmatched out there, and Penn State's defensive line is finally getting backfield penetration. Remember, Threet was questionable for today's game with a bruised elbow, which could be acting up again.
The Wolverines just aren't good enough to put together a complete game, and the third quarter continues to be their weakness. Penn State should survive, and then we can start talking about the Big Ten's game of the year next week in Columbus.
Sort comments by: Most Recent | First Posted
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Adam Rittenberg
Rittenberg joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four years at the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald, where he covered sports at Notre Dame, Northwestern, DePaul and several other colleges. He lives in Chicago.
BIG TEN SCOREBOARD
Friday, 11/27
12:00 PM ET Illinois 5 Cincinnati
