Week 11 Awards

If Minnesota broke the Governor’s Victory Bell (a trophy that most people don’t even know exists) after beating Penn State, imagine what they’ll do to Paul Bunyan’s Axe if they upset Wisconsin!  Seriously though, the REAL victory bell is in Beaver Stadium and all signs point to a thorough ringing this weekend against Purdue.  In the meantime, though, it’s time to close out this past weekend with the Tuesday Awards!

In true comeback fashion, this week’s Beast Mode Award goes to Zach Zwinak who came off the bench after some fumbling issues earlier this season (with sparkly new gloves), and managed to rack up a very impressive 150 yds on only 26 carries.  So we have 2 running backs now that can be a workhorse back if needed?  Sounds like a good problem to have!

With its ever changing description, the Transformer Award goes to Allen Robinson who transformed into Penn State's all-time single-season receiving yards leader!  Congratulations Allen for breaking Bobby Engram’s 20 year old record!  The new record is only temporary, though, as Robinson still has 3 games to go, but it currently stands at 1,106.

The Matrix Award this week goes to Adam Breneman who is quickly becoming Christian Hackenberg’s favorite tight end target.  These two are both true freshmen, so we can look forward to them ticking off a lot of defensive coordinators over the next few years.

In a disappointing loss, sometimes it’s hard to find heroes, let alone unsung heroes, but I think this week’s In Disguise Award winner fits the bill - Alex Butterworth!  The punter from Indiana quietly kept pinning the Gophers deep in their own territory and for the 2^nd week in a row, he drew a punting penalty that kept a drive alive.  Too bad also for the 2^nd week in a row the offense couldn't turn it into points.

And finally, the Megatron Award goes to Minnesota QB Phillip Nelson.  He went a decent 15/24 for 186 yds and 1 TD, but more importantly he managed the game for the Gophers and made his throws count when he needed to, especially on 3^rd down.

Well that will do it for this week’s coverage of yet another loss.  Luckily struggling Purdue is coming to town just in time to get the Nittany Lions back on track.  I’ll be live at the game in Happy Valley, but that doesn't mean I’ll forget about all my readers.  So be sure to check back on Friday for the prediction and either Saturday night or Sunday for the wrap up.  Follow me on Twitter @PSUOptimus, and as always, go State!

*Injury Update: Allen Robinson is apparently dealing with a nagging shoulder injury, but Bill O’Brien says he should be good to go against Purdue.  LB Ben Kline is officially out for the rest of the season with a torn pectoral muscle.  He gets the Big Boy Pants Award for apparently playing with that tear for almost the entire Minnesota game.  Get better guys!

*Special News: Former Penn State quarterback Matt McGloin will most likely start his first NFL game for the Oakland Raiders this week as the previous starter, and former Ohio State Buckeye, Terrelle Pryor sits out with an injury.