Eastern Michigan @ Penn State preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 24, 2011 ) Eastern Michigan 6, Penn State 34

Christian Hackenberg last week became the third freshman to start a season opener at quarterback for Penn State since 1910, and the 18-year-old gave the Nittany Lions' fans plenty to cheer about. Many more will get to see him in person when Penn State plays its home opener against Eastern Michigan on Saturday. While Hackenberg was far from perfect with two interceptions, he finished 22-of-31 for 278 yards and two touchdowns in the Nittany Lions' 23-17 victory over Syracuse.

Penn State was banned from postseason play until 2016 - which would be Hackenberg's senior season - as a result of the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal.
“He’s got great demeanor, great poise,” Nittany Lions coach Bill O’Brien said of Hackenberg. “He’s a smart guy, fun to coach. He’ll improve.” The Eagles, who finished 2-10 and last in the Mid-American Conference's West Division in 2012, rallied from an 11-point deficit in third quarter to defeat FCS member Howard 34-24 last week.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Penn State -24

ABOUT EASTERN MICHIGAN (1-0): Junior Bronson Hill rushed for 101 yards and his two touchdowns came during the second-half rally against Howard, and he could hold the key to the Eagles' success as a ball-control weapon. If Hill fares well, it also keeps the defense off the field after the unit yielded 384 yards against the Bison. Junior quarterback Tyler Benz threw for 210 yards with two touchdowns and an interception last week while recording a career-best completion percentage of 73.1.

ABOUT PENN STATE (1-0): The Nittany Lions' defense, second in the Big Ten in points allowed at 19.1 per game in 2012, limited the Orange to 260 yards - 71 on the ground - last week. Penn State, though, rushed for only 57 yards and must improve on that number to take pressure off its young quarterback. Junior wide receiver Allen Robinson, a 2013 all-Big Ten preseason team selection, caught seven passes for 133 yards last week with a touchdown - the 12th of his career.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Penn State leads the series 2-0, including a 34-6 victory in 2011.

2. Nittany Lions K San Ficken made three field goals against Syracuse - including a career-long 46-yarder. He has made 13 straight kicks, tying the school record set by Craig Fayak in 1992.

3. Penn State is 19-3 against MAC teams, including 3-0 against Kent State, which comes to Happy Valley on Sept. 21.

PREDICTION: Penn State 35, Eastern Michigan 10