Before Evan Royster’s revival was Matt McGloin’s arrival, and both fought for the spotlight in a surprising 41-31 victory over Michigan Saturday night.
The senior became the all-time leading rusher in Penn State history after a first-quarter scamper for 20 yards.
‘I feel like it’s a monkey off of my back,’ said Royster, who had family members and high school teachers in town to witness the event.
Royster unseated Hall of Famer Curt Warner for the title, and he did it with 77 fewer carries.
After breaking the record, Royster went on to have a night full of highlights. He ended with 150 yards on 29 carries and two TDs. He looked more agile and faster against the weak Michigan run defense than he did against other opponents in 2010.
‘He’s a good, solid back,’ Joe Paterno said after the game. ‘You need some running room, and he got it tonight.’
McGloin, the first walk-on quarterback ever to start a game for Paterno, was filling in for an injured Rob Bolden and took advantage of his stage time.
His numbers (17 of 28 for 250 yards and two TDs (one rushing)) were impressive, but his poise caught the attention of Nittany Nation. In a high-pressure game with a national audience, McGloin looked like a veteran QB under the bright Beaver Stadium lights.
He remained calm in the pocket, took off (and quickly at that) as needed, and avoided most defenders. He had no interceptions and was sacked only once.
‘The players believed in me, the coaches believed in me, and I believed in them,’ McGloin said.
Though quarterbacks coach Jay Paterno said he had ‘no doubts’ about McGloin’s ability, he said there is no QB controversy.
‘Rob [Bolden]’s our guy,’ he said.
A high-scoring victory was what the Lions needed to turn around a difficult season. At halftime, the atmosphere in Happy Valley was electric. The 5-3 (2-2 Big Ten) Lions are now one win away from being eligible for post-season play.
‘We didn’t do anything silly out there,’ Paterno said. ‘That’s a sign of growing up.’
Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson, as expected, had a major impact on today’s game, but he received little help from his teammates. He ran for 190 yards and three touchdowns, and he added 190 passing yards and a TD through the air. The rest of the Wolverines ran for a total of 42 yards.
The Lions will host Northwestern next Saturday.
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