Penn State vs Indiana Game Review: McGloin; Robinson, put on clinic as Penn State Beats Indiana in a Route

     One thing that can be said about Matt McGloin about this year from previous years past, is that he has adjusted well into a quality quarterback. Some even say that if Bill O'Brien had been there from the beginning when McGloin was a freshman, that his playing ability would even be greater than what it is right now. Despite his improvement at playing quarterback, McGloin was heading into the season without a real deep ball threat Wide Receiver. Enter: Allen Robinson


     Robinson flew under the radar, sort of like Deon Butler back in 05' in the sense of not a highly touted recruit.(though unlike Robinson, Butler was a walk-on) Nevertheless, the immediate impact they made when they got the opportunity to leave it all out on the field, they made sure to take advantage and showcase their abilities.

     McGloin and Robinson connected on 10 passes, 3 of which that went for TD's. The first of which was in the 1st quarter with 4:26 remaining, McGloin threw a pass down the sidelines in which Robinson made an acrobatic like catch in the air and into the endzone to give Penn State the first score of the game.(Penn State has scored first in 10 of its 11 games. The only time being against Purdue) Indiana though wouldn't go quietly.

     In a span of 84 seconds, the Hoosiers scored 10 unanswered points from a FG and then off from a turnover that they would capitalize on with a TD pass to give them a 10-7 lead early in the 2nd Quarter. Penn State, especially Robinson did not panic. McGloin would hit Robinson on a lateral pass, and Robinson then made his move from there and he was off to the races, quickly giving Penn State the lead right back 14-10 on his 2nd TD Reception of the game.

     After an Indiana FG, Penn State would drive the ball down the field once again, this time on the combination of Michael Zordich and Zack Zwinak carries. Penn State capped off the scoring drive when McGloin hooked up with none other than Allen Robinson for the 3rd time in the game. Robinson would go on to finish with 10 catches for 197 yards and 3 TD's, (all of which either tied or set a career high total[s] )

     Matt McGloin wasn't finished on his aerial attack. Just right before the end of the first half, McGloin found a wide open Zack Zwinak for a TD, giving Penn State a 28-13 lead heading into the locker room.

     Penn State opened up the 2nd half with the ball and on the first play, McGloin hit TE Matt Lehman for 29 yards into Indiana terrority. Unfortunately for the Nittany Lions the drive stalled and they were forced to put. On Indiana's first play of the second half, QB Cameron Coffman threw a lateral to Stephen Houston who then burst through defenders with his blazing speed and went 79 yds. for a TD cutting Penn State's lead to 9 (IU would miss the extra point) Indiana was not done though as they had another trick up their sleeves. On the ensuing kickoff, the Hoosiers would surprise everybody and do an onside kick which they proceeded to cover. In what looked like what was possibly going to be a runaway at the beginning of the second half for Penn State, the games momentum seemingly shifted towards Indiana. The Hoosiers would fail though to score after missing a FG. But just two plays later would recover a fumble from Zack Zwinak and had another shot to cut into the lead. Even though they didn't get a TD, they still managed to make a FG this time and cut Penn State's lead to six. But that's as close as Indiana would get for the rest of the day.

     Highlighted by catches from receivers Robinson and Brandon Moseby-Felder, Penn State capped off its ensuing possesion on a 9 play, 75 yard drive on a 1yd. TD Run by Zack Zwinak, (who had another 100+ yd. rushing game finishing with 135). Increasing Penn State's lead to 13.

     Indiana was forced to a 3 & out on its next possession as Penn State's offense took over once again. A combination of McGloin passes and Zwinak runs would set up a 4 yd. TD Run by Michael Zordich. Blowing the game now wide open as Penn State now lead 42-22 after 3 Quarters. The only scoring in the 4th was a 28 yd FG by Sam Ficken (who as we all know started out horribly, but has since found his nitch and improved his kicking) in which the time of possession for Penn State was 6:30 minutes as they used their offense to burn the clock and secure the win. Penn State with the win improves to 7-4 with its final game of the season next week at home vs. Wisconsin, in which Penn State will look to seek a little payback after last year's embarassing loss in Camp Randall Stadium.


      Also Congratulations to Matt McGloin for setting school records for completions in a season, yards in a season, and career passing touchdowns. Be sure to send him many congrats via Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media outlet!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nams-Noodle-Sports-Blog-FB-Page/252192688235247

Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/namsnoodle?feature=mhee