Outback Bowl Preview: Penn State-Florida

Leading up to the Florida-Penn State bowl matchup has been plenty of discussion regarding the two head coaches: Urban Meyer and Joe Paterno.

Meyer has already announced that he will retire following Saturday’s game after leading the Gators to two National Championships, whereas Paterno has had rumors circulate that he may be coaching in his last game, even though he has reiterated that he will return for yet another season.

But don’t let the coaches steal the headlines, there are plenty of talented players on both teams, which should translate into an entertaining New Year’s Day bowl.

Penn State’s passing game has been up-and-down all season. Originally, freshman Rob Bolden was the starting quarterback; however, after suffering an injury mid-way through the season, he was replaced by Matt McGloin.

McGloin has had his fair share of success this season, specifically his four touchdown outing against Northwestern, and his fair share of disappointment, such as his two interception game against Ohio State. But overall, McGloin has filled in well for Bolden and gives Penn State an aerial threat.

His primary target is Derek Moye, who has hauled in seven touchdowns on 48 receptions. Moye will have a tough matchup on Saturday against the speedy secondary of Florida. However, the Gators may be without their top cornerback, Janoris Jenkins, following surgery on his right shoulder. The absence of Jenkins, who is a projected first-round draft pick in 2010 (if he leaves early), will benefit Penn State and their deep passing attack.

The passing game will be important for Penn State against Florida, but their bread-and-butter will be their running game. Evan Royster, the school’s all-time leading rusher, and Silas Redd, who has compiled 424 yards in his freshman campaign, will control the outcome for Penn State.

Florida’s front four is solid and will be able to generate some pass rush. Led by defensive end Justin Trattou, who has a team-high 12 tackles for loss, the Gators front four must be able to get a push up front, or Evan Royster and the PSU running game will run all over them.

The Gators defense is led by All-SEC safety Ahmad Black, who has a team-high 102 tackles. Sure, 102 tackles is phenomenal, but when a safety is your leading tackler, that means your front seven is not getting the ball-carrier down and allowing the runner to break through into the secondary.

Florida has allowed 129.9 rushing yards per game, whereas Penn State is averaging 164.6 yards on the ground per game.

Countering Royster will be Jeff Demps, who is Florida’s big-play threat. He’s having a down year, averaging a career-low 6.0 yards per run and just three rushing touchdowns, but his 4.30 forty-yard time has to be respected.

Besides Demps, the Gators have a few other running threats, including Mike Gillislee and Chris Rainey. Gillislee has accounted for six touchdowns and Rainey has compiled two touchdowns. Both are averaging 5.8 yards or more per touch.

The Gators passing offense isn’t led by Tim Tebow anymore. John Brantley has replaced Tebow (or at least attempted to replace him). He has thrown for over 2,000 yards with nine touchdowns. He has thrown just three touchdowns in his past eight games. That’s pretty embarrassing for a quarterback, especially for someone who is leading one of the nation’s premier football programs.

Seeing that Brantley has struggled, the Gators have utilized Trey Burton, who has played nearly every position for the Gators’ offense. He has a team-high 11 touchdowns on the ground, including a five touchdown game against Kentucky. He has occasionally thrown the ball, going 4-for-5 on his passing attempts. Penn State will see plenty of plays involving Burton, who will line-up at the wildcat position often.

By the Numbers

Takeaways: Penn State 15, Florida 24