Sept. 12, 2008
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa., - Penn State hits the road for the first time this season, visiting old rival Syracuse in the first meeting between the schools since 1990.
The No. 17 Nittany Lions (2-0) are coming off a 45-14 win over Oregon State. The Orange (0-2) lost to Akron, 42-28, last Saturday.
The contest is an ABC regional telecast and also is available on the ESPN GamePlan package. The Penn State Sports Network and www.GoPSUsports.com also will air the clash.
The Nittany Lions are looking to get off to a good start on the road, after posting a 2-3 record in road contests last year. Penn State has won 33 of its last 42 games overall, tied for the nation's seventh-best record over that span.
Lions and Orange are meeting for the first time since 1990, with Penn State holding a 40-23-5 series edge. The teams met every season from 1922-42, did not play in 1943 due to World War II and then played each year from 1944-90. The 68 games against Syracuse are second-most among all Penn State opponents, trailing only Pittsburgh (96 games).
The teams are playing in Syracuse for the first time since 1989, with Penn State owning a 3-1 record in games played in the Carrier Dome. The Nittany Lions have an all-time record of 11-5 in domed stadiums and will be playing in a dome for the third consecutive season (at Minnesota, 2006; Alamo Bowl, 2007).
Syracuse will visit Beaver Stadium on Sept. 12, 2009.
Through the first two games, Penn State demonstrated a highly productive and balanced offense, ranking in the Top 15 nationally in three categories. Penn State is tied for No. 3 in scoring, with Arizona, at 55.5 ppg. Florida State is first, scoring 69 points in its opener last week and Kansas State is second at 57.0 ppg.
The Nittany Lions lead the Big Ten and are No. 8 nationally in rushing at 334.0 ypg. Penn State leads the nation with 11 rushing touchdowns, with Oregon, TCU and Wisconsin tied for second with 10. Penn State is second in the conference and No. 15 in total offense at 524.0 ypg. Illinois is No. 13 at 532.0 ypg.
Penn State is one of just four teams nationally that is averaging more than 280 rushing yards and 230 passing yards per game. Oregon, Nevada and Florida State are the others.
The talented and experienced offensive line has not allowed a sack in the initial two games and only two sacks in the last six contests.
The Nittany Lions have not allowed the first two opponents to crack 100 yards on the ground, allowing an average of 72.0 rushing yards. Penn State grabbed a pair of interceptions vs. Oregon State and has forced three turnovers and given up only one thus far.
Following the Syracuse clash, Penn State will play its final non-conference game of the season, hosting Temple on Sept. 20 for a 12:00 p.m. kickoff. The Big Ten Network will televise the contest. The Owls (1-1) visit Buffalo on Saturday.