Sept. 11, 2009
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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; - Penn State will welcome old rival Syracuse to Beaver Stadium on Saturday for the first time since 1990. The game, which is scheduled for a 12:00 p.m. start, will air on the Big Ten Network, the Penn State Sports Network and www.GoPSUsports.com.
The first in a series of themed game days this season, Saturday is "Classic Day." As the Nittany Lions (1-0) welcome the Orange (0-1) to Beaver Stadium, fans will be welcomed by 1960's music prior to, during and after the game. Fans are encouraged to break out the tie-dyes, headbands and peace signs of the `60's. The Student "S-Zone" will have a throwback card section, the Penn State Blue Band, Lionettes and Nittany Lion performances will feature songs from the decade, with other possible surprises.
Versus the Orange, the Nittany Lions will look to build on momentum gained from last weekend's 31-7 win over Akron. Senior quarterback Daryll Clark (Youngstown, Ohio) was more than comfortable with his new starting wideouts and re-vamped offensive line, setting a career high by passing for 353 yards, including a program record 254 in the first half. His standout effort earned him Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week honors for the third time in his 13 career regular season starts.
In his first career start, sophomore wide receiver Derek Moye (Rochester, Pa.) had a superb day, setting career highs with six receptions for 138 yards and one touchdown. He made four catches of 20 yards or more.
The Penn State defense was relentless, not allowing the Zips a first down in the first half while recording 13 tackles for loss, including four sacks, and an interception, the first of sophomore safety Andrew Dailey's (Massillon, Ohio) career. Sophomore linebacker Nate Stupar (State College) registered a career-best and team-high 12 tackles (eight solo), with a sack.
In first year head coach Doug Marrone's debut last Saturday, Syracuse was edged by Minnesota, falling in overtime 23-20 in the Carrier Dome.
Leading the offense for the Orange is a face familiar to college basketball fans, former Duke guard Greg Paulus. After transferring to Syracuse as a graduate student, Paulus earned the nod at starting quarterback and was 19 of 31, throwing for 167 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the narrow loss to the Golden Gophers.
The defense is anchored by senior defensive tackle Arthur Jones. A two-year starter, he is on the preseason watch lists for the Outland Trophy and Bronko Nagurski, Lombardi, and Bednarik Awards.
Penn State leads the all-time series with Syracuse 41-23-5. The 69 games against SU are second-highest among all PSU opponents, trailing only Pittsburgh (96 games). One of the program's most storied rivals, Penn State clashed with Syracuse every season 1944 through 1990. The Nittany Lions have won the last three contests, including last season's 55-13 victory in the Carrier Dome.
Former Nittany Lion running back Lenny Moore will return to Happy Valley to serve as an honorary team captain for Saturday's game.
Four Penn State home games are sold out, with a limited number of tickets remaining for Syracuse, Temple (Sept. 19, 12:00), and Eastern Illinois (Oct. 10, TBA). Single game tickets are on sale at www.GoPSUsports.com or by calling 800-833-5533
Following the Syracuse game, Penn State will host Temple in Beaver Stadium in a 12:00 p.m. contest on Sept. 19. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network, the Penn State Sports Network and www.GoPSUsports.com. The Nittany Lions downed the Owls, 45-3, at home last season.