Former Foes: Week 4

One of the things I dragged with me from my Nittany Line days (it fit nicely in my carry-on luggage) was a running series that took a look back at the teams Penn State has already played. If you're like me you react initially to each and every team Penn State plays on a week by week basis with preconceived notions about the team PSU is playing at that moment. Seldom do we go back and reevaluate the teams Penn State has already played. Mostly we look forward and change our opinions of the teams coming up on the schedule, but we forget about the Directional Michigan teams after the last whistle blows. Well, we're here to educate as well as entertain at BSD, and with that I give you Former Foes: a weekly look back at past Penn State opponents.

So…. how is Indiana State doing anyway???

Quite well, actually.

Beat Youngstown State 37-35

The good news: Indiana State has scored no less than 37 points in their three wins. The bad news: they've given up 85 in the same time span. Last week the Sycamores compiled less than half (30-14) of YSU's first downs but scored on long runs by running back Shakir Bell who scored from 61, 62, and 51 yards out. Just for fun he added a 39-yarder to score 4 TD's on the day. ISU jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and pressed the cruise control button. YSU made it close scoring a late touchdown to narrow the gap to the final score but the Penguins failed to recover the onside kick and ISU ran out the clock. On the day Bell carried the ball 21 times for 256 yards and the aforementioned 4 scores.

Next up: ISU could win their fourth straight as they take on bottom-feeding South Dakota State (1-3)

#3 Alabama (4-0)

Beat #14 Arkansas 38-14

It goes without saying that Alabama is one of the best teams in the country and their 38-14 whitewash of Arkansas is proof. This game was supposed to be a showdown of the SEC's best offense (Arkansas) against the SEC's best defense (Alabama). Arkansas came in averaging 47 points and 517 yards a game but they were no match, the Tide held them to just 226 yards; 17 of that coming on the ground. Alabama scored in all three aspects of the game. Marquis Maze scored on an 83-yard punt return, DeQuan Menzie took back an interception 25 yards, and QB A.J McCarron (also the holder) connected with tight end Michael Williams for a 37-yard touchdown on a fake field goal. The player of the game though was Trent Richardson led the Tide with 126 yards on just 27 carries. He also led the Alabama receivers nabbing 3 receptions for 85 yards and a TD.

Next up: Alabama has a friendly Saturday night game with #12 Florida

Temple (3-1)

Beat Maryland 38-7

After the Temple game my friends put me on suicide watch. Come to think of it I still haven't got my belt or shoe laces back, but I digress. Temple rebounded from the tough Penn State loss to completely throttle Maryland. The Terrapins came in with a 6-0 record against Temple beating them the last two times by a combined 54 points. By halftime they were standing around looking shell-shocked as the Owls jumped out to a 31-0 halftime lead thanks to a record day by running back Bernard Pierce. Pierce set a school record with five rushing touchdowns on 32 carries while amassing 149 yards.

FIVE touchdowns! Somewhere Al Bundy approves