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University of Minnesota Athletics
Blog: Opposing Viewpoint
10/14/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Each week during the football season, GopherSports.com will bring you the opposing viewpoint by talking to a member of the media who covers Minnesota's opponent for that week. This week, we're joined by Frank Bodani of the York Daily Record in York, Pa.
Bodani has covered Penn State football since 1994. That includes watching everything from one of the great college offenses of all-time ('94) to some of the worst in school history ('03, '04). And, of course, watching an 82-year-old head coach recover from cracked ribs and a broken leg and hip replacement surgery to lead his team onto the field once again this fall.
GopherSports: Through six games, what have you learned about Penn State?
Frank Bodani: We've learned that an inexperienced offensive line must continue improving if the Lions hope to finish with double-digit victories again. Poor line play, turnovers and special teams leaks led to the loss to Iowa and unimpressive showings in the non-conference schedule.
GopherSports: What is your take on the Minnesota program?
Frank Bodani: It seems like Tim Brewster has instilled energy into a program that seemed to stagnate, starting with some impressive recruiting.
GopherSports: Who should Minnesota fans keep an eye on this week? Is there a Lion player who is really playing well or could be a tough matchup for the Gophers?
Frank Bodani: Watch young defensive ends Jack Crawford and Eric Latimore and senior star defensive tackle Jared Odrick. They are big, athletic and come hard at the quarterback.
GopherSports: Who, or what, has the Nittany Lions’ attention this week?
Frank Bodani: Eric Decker, of course. The Lions’ young secondary has not really been tested hard yet this season. Simply holding Decker to five or six catches and less than 90 yards would be a victory.
GopherSports: The weather forecast doesn’t look great for Saturday. Do you think weather could play a factor in this game, like it did in the Iowa game?
Frank Bodani: I think Penn State is better equipped to run the ball now than last month against Iowa -- because the o-line is starting to come together. Maybe windy, cold weather could hurt Weber throwing to Decker?
GopherSports: How does Minnesota pull off a victory in this contest?
Frank Bodani: Force turnovers, take advantage of a short field and dominate in special teams. Make Penn State play from behind at home and suddenly any confidence gained since the Iowa game will start to disappear.
GopherSports: How about Penn State? What are the keys for PSU in this one?
Frank Bodani: Penn State will want to run the ball with Evan Royster first and speedy Stephfon Green second to control clock and tempo. But maybe even more important will be getting heavy pressure on Weber, who seems to be running for his life each week. Penn State leads the Big Ten in sacks and will be gunning for four or five more.
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