Penn State needs a win tonight worse than its needed a win all season.
It’s the White Out. It’s Homecoming. It’s the team’s first game back after being humiliated by Michigan in Ann Arbor last Saturday.
In Penn State’s way is a Minnesota squad that also needs a win. The Gophers started this season well, going 4-0 and pounding Michigan State, 34-7, in East Lansing.
But since then, Minnesota has lost two straight games— both by double digits— at Purdue and to Illinois at home.
It’s also looking increasingly likely that Minnesota will be without its quarterback, Tanner Morgan. The sixth-year QB got hurt in the fourth quarter of last week’s loss to Illinois, and ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on “College GameDay” Saturday morning that Morgan’s status is “between questionable and doubtful” per his sources.
If Morgan can’t go, Athan Kaliakmanis would be Minnesota’s likely starter. Kaliakmanis, a former four-star recruit from Antioch High School in Illinois, relieved Morgan against Illinois. He struggled in a brief sample, going 2-6 for 17 yards and two interceptions. The Gophers ended up dropping their second straight game, losing 26-14 to Illinois.
Penn State QB Sean Clifford’s health is also in question. He left the Michigan game with an injury in the second half. Although Thamel said Clifford is a “game time decision,” he practiced this week.
Penn State is a 4.5-point favorite according to FanDuel Sportsbook. For Penn State fans who won’t be in Beaver Stadium, here’s how to watch and listen to tonight’s game.
Kickoff Time: 7:30
TV Channel: ABC
TV Crew: Joe Tessitore (PXP), Greg McElory (Color), Katie George (Sideline)
Radio: Penn State Football Affiliates
Radio Crew: Steve Jones (PXP) Jack Ham (Color) Brian Tripp (Sideline)
Sirius XM Channel: 81
