Penn State Gameday

MATCHUP: Penn State Nittany Lions at Minnesota Golden Gophers, Noon ET, Metrodome (64,172).

TV/RADIO/WEB: WSWB (Pam Ward, Mike Gottfried, Jimmy Dykes); WILK Radio: 910, 980, 1300-AM (Steve Jones, Jack Ham); www.GoPSUsports.com

RECORDS: Penn State (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten); Minnesota (2-3, 0-2 Big Ten).

COACHES: Joe Paterno (357-119-3) 41st season at Penn State; Glen Mason (60-53) 10th season at Minnesota.

SERIES HISTORY: 10th meeting. Penn State leads 5-4.

LAST GAME: Oct. 1, 2005. Lions won 44-14 at University Park.

LAST GOPHER WIN: Oct. 2, 2004 (16-7 at Metrodome).

KEY MATCHUP: Lions’ TB Tony Hunt vs. Gophers’ conference-worst run defense.

EDGE LIONS: Aggressive D is peaking.

EDGE GOPHERS: They’ve gained at least 300 yards in total offense in 42 of their last 43 games.

ffense doesn’t waste opportunities in Red Zone.

econd-ranked rush attack dictates tempo.

ormer UM great and Vikings’ Hall of Famer Carl Eller will be honored during game.

DOME FIELD ADVANTAGE? The Gophers are just 79-70-2 all-time in the Metrodome.

IN CASE YOU’RE WONDERING: PSU has 9-5 mark in domed stadiums.

LINE: Penn State by 2.5.

OUTLOOK: Even with makeshift offensive line, Lions should have enough to get past inconsistent Gophers. Hunt and receivers carry the day.

PREDICTION: Penn State 27, Minnesota 17.
— Jerry Kellar