Penn State @ Nebraska preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 12, 2011 ) Nebraska 17, Penn State 14

Four victories in five Big Ten games have vaulted Nebraska to a first-place tie in the Legends Division and the No. 16-ranked Cornhuskers host Penn State on Saturday looking to get closer to the division crown. Quarterback Taylor Martinez rushed for 205 yards in last week’s victory over Michigan State and Ameer Abdullah added 110 for Nebraska, which is sixth in the nation in rushing. Nobody was sure how Penn State would fare this season in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal, but the Nittany Lions have been one of the nation’s big surprises. Penn State beat Purdue last week and has won six of seven since a 0-2 start.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC or ESPN2. LINE: Nebraska, -7

ABOUT PENN STATE (6-3, 4-1 Big Ten): Quarterback Matt McGloin stayed at the school instead of transferring, and the senior leads the conference with 270.7 passing yards per game and 18 touchdowns. The Nittany Lions will present one of the strongest defensive tests Nebraska has faced this season. Penn State is allowing 17.1 points per game and has given up 17 touchdowns in nine games.

ABOUT NEBRASKA (7-2, 4-1): The Cornhuskers have plenty of momentum after rallying from 10 points down in the fourth quarter to upend the Spartans. Martinez comes in second in conference play in total offense per game (289.7), a dual threat who ranks second in the Big Ten in passing and 10th in rushing. The Cornhuskers average 269.6 rushing yards and are scoring 29.6 points in conference play. Nebraska has allowed 30.2 points per game in its past five contests.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Both teams feature strong pass rushes. Penn State and Nebraska each have 24 sacks, tied for the conference lead.

2. Penn State makes its first trip to Lincoln since 2003. The all-time series is tied 7-7.

3. Seven of the past 11 meetings have been decided by 10 points or less.

PREDICTION: Nebraska 24, Penn State 21