Eastern Michigan @ Penn State preview

THE STORY: After barely escaping a huge upset bid at Temple, Penn State bones up for its Big Ten schedule against another MAC opponent. Eastern Michigan, whose two wins have come against FCS teams, could be the cure for an ailing Nittany Lions offense. The Eagles allowed 30-plus points in 10 games last season, including more than 70 twice. Penn State ranks 90th in scoring and 103rd in yards nationally.

TV: ESPN2, ESPN3.com. LINE: Penn State -28.5.

ABOUT EASTERN MICHIGAN (2-1, 0-0 MAC): The Eagles also face the same conference for the second straight week, having lost at Michigan 31-3 in a game they actually led 3-0 in the second quarter. Sophomore Javonti Greene piled up 64 of his 80 rushing yards in the first quarter, when EMU outgained Michigan 140-32. The Eagles finished with 207 rushing yards, but on the other side couldn't stop Denard Robinson, who ran for 198 and a score. EMU had yielded just 16 points combined in wins over Howard and Alabama State. In the latter, the Eagles' defense set a school record by holding the Hornets to minus-13 rushing yards.

ABOUT PENN STATE (2-1, 0-0 Big Ten): Joe Paterno had to sweat out Penn State's 14-10 victory over the Owls – whom he'd never lost to in 28 games – from the press box, where he's watched all three games since sustaining shoulder and pelvis injuries in August. He plans to continue platooning quarterbacks Rob Bolden and Matthew McGloin, who combined to go 22-for-36 for 216, with a pick and no touchdown passes. The Nittany Lions are one of three FBS teams (Central Florida, San Jose State) without a TD pass in their first three contests. On the plus side, Penn State forced three turnovers against Temple, after ceding three without producing any in a meager 27-11 loss to Alabama the week before.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The teams have played just once, a 52-7 Penn State romp in 1991.

2. The 84-year-old Paterno has not ruled out returning to the sideline against EMU, noting Tuesday: “I think I'm going to be able to do it, but we'll see. I miss being on the sideline. I miss being able to talk to kids about different things going on in the ballgame.”

3. Eagles head coach Ron English was 3-0 against Penn State while serving as a Michigan assistant coach from 2003-07.

PREDICTION: Penn State 27, Eastern Michigan 7 – Expect a big day from sophomore running back Silas Redd (255 yards, 5.1 yards per carry, 4 TDs), and for the Lions to finally find the end zone through the air.